BRADFORD and Leeds have been identified as two of the worst areas for pickpocketing in the UK, according to new research.

The study by Churchill Insurance reveals that Bradford has 1.3 pickpocketing offences per 1,000 people, with 731 thefts in the last year alone.

Similarly, Leeds has 1.9 offences per 1,000 people, amounting to 1,532 incidents last year, which is more than three thefts each day.

The report from Churchill Insurance separates London from the rest of the UK due to the capital's high rate of pickpocketing, where 22 of the 25 worst areas for pickpocketing are located.

The study also highlights a 17 per cent increase in 'theft from the person' offences across the country, with 131,453 recorded in 2023/24, compared with 112,225 in the previous year.

The North East was identified as the region most adversely affected by the rise in pickpocketing.

North Tyneside's rate of pickpocketing increased by 69 per cent, Gateshead by 56 per cent, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne by 53 per cent over the last year.

However, the report also highlights areas where pickpocketing has decreased.

Stockton-on-Tees saw theft from the person fall by 48 per cent, Warrington by 47 per cent, and South Worcester by 46 per cent.

The report also sheds light on pickpocketing on public transport.

Last year, there were 12,335 pickpocketing offences recorded by the British Transport Police, a rise of 44.7 per cent from the previous year.

A spokesperson for Churchill Insurance said: "In the interest of providing a comprehensive and transparent overview of pickpocketing in the UK, we’ve used the most up-to-date figures from the Office of National Statistics.

"These provide an in-depth look at more than 300 locations across the UK and allow us to provide a robust examination of where pickpocketing and theft from the person is the most prevalent."

To read the full study, visit churchillsupportservices.com.