First-time visitor staying in Shoreditch — pickpocket paranoia, am I overthinking it?

Hey everyone,

Coming to London for the first time later this month with 3 friends (4 of us total). We'll be staying near Liverpool Street / Spitalfields area (around Steward Street, E1) for 6 nights — sounds like a great spot from what I've read, close to everything.

Before I go full tourist paranoia mode, wanted to ask people who actually live there:

1. How realistic is the pickpocket threat? I keep reading horror stories about phone snatching, especially in Central London, around Oxford Street, Tube during rush hour, tourist spots near Big Ben and the Tower. Is it actually that bad in 2026, or is it overblown? Where are the real hotspots to be extra careful?

2. Phone wrist strap — overkill or smart? Thinking about buying a wrist strap/lanyard for my phone (the kind that attaches to your hand). I use my phone constantly for maps and payments, so it'll be out a lot. Is this paranoid tourist territory or actually a sensible move with all the moped phone-snatching I've heard about?

3. The neighbourhood itself — anything to know? How is Spitalfields/Shoreditch area safety-wise, especially at night when walking back from pubs? Any specific streets to avoid? We'll be wandering around Brick Lane, Old Spitalfields Market, walking to the Tower, etc.

4. General "wish I knew before coming" safety tips? Stuff that's obvious to locals but not on TripAdvisor.

Not looking to be scared off, just want to be smart about it. We're planning lots of walking, pubs in the evening, museums, day trips to Oxford and Bath. Open to any practical advice.

Cheers in advance!