Train luggage theft rose by 30% in 2025 – expert reveals the best tips to stop it happening to you

Having your suitcase stolen on a train is not only inconvenient – it can be devastating, too, and have financial implications. 

Last year, train luggage theft rose, leaving many travellers without their belongings.  

New figures from the British Transport Police, obtained by MoneySuperMarket, show that luggage thefts on UK trains reached 1,812 in 2025 – nearly 30 per cent higher than in 2023.

So, how can travellers keep their luggage safe?

Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: ‘Thefts are more likely to happen in the UK’s busiest, most connected stations. 

‘High passenger traffic makes it easier for thieves to blend in, act quickly, and disappear into the crowd.’

Here, the Daily Mail has compiled advice from experts to help rail passengers stay aware of their surroundings and on top of their belongings… 

Keep your belongings in sight 

The best thing you can do? Keep your luggage well in sight during your trip

Alicia says: ‘The best thing you can do is keep your luggage in sight wherever possible. 

‘If you are booking online, you may be able to choose a seat near luggage racks, which can make it easier to keep an eye on larger items.’

Choose distinctive luggage and clever labels

Meanwhile, Chris Harrington, travel expert and managing director at hoppa, shared his top tips to stop luggage theft from happening to you.

Number one? Choose distinctive luggage and secure identification. 

Chris told the Daily Mail: ‘If you’ve gone with a typical dark coloured ‘incognito’ luggage, you’re bound to have difficulty spotting it among all the others if it does go walkabout. 

‘With that said, I highly recommend using brightly coloured, distinctive luggage, no matter how ‘uncool’ it might be. Uniqueness is what will make your luggage harder to steal unnoticed.

‘Also, when labelling your bag, use your name, email address, and/or phone number. DO NOT use your full home address, as this just helps the thief identify an empty home.’

Try a tracking device 

Your choice of luggage, colour and labelling could also make a huge difference

Tracking devices, like Apple AirTags or Tile by Life360 Mates, can be a winner.

Chris added: ‘It’s 2026, and our technology advancements have never been better. You can now pick up reliable tracking devices for very little money, so there’s no excuse not to implement this tip into your travel plans.

‘Tracking devices are real-time tools that are incredibly discreet, and you can connect them to your luggage, phone, wallet, keys, or just about anything you’re travelling with that you consider valuable. 

‘These devices connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and you get automatically alerted if your bag strays beyond a safe distance, helping you find it quickly, especially if you’ve chosen distinctive luggage.’

Carry your bags safely 

Finally, he advised travellers carry their bags in the safest way possible.

He explained: ‘Consider alternative ways to carry your bag that make it harder for a thief to grab or unzip it without you noticing. 

‘For example, crossbody bags let you keep your bag in front of you, minimising exposure and giving you more control over your possessions than a backpack or handbag.

‘However, backpacks are popular for their convenience and comfort, especially with heavy loads. 

‘With this in mind, I’d recommend keeping important documents and high-value items in a crossbody bag and putting your clothes and non-essentials in your backpack, as losing materialistic items doesn’t cause as much stress as losing your wallet or phone.’

Claim on travel insurance

If you do become a victim of luggage theft, you may be able to claim on your insurance, says Alicia.

She adds: ‘Most annual travel insurance policies cover luggage theft on domestic trips, but your journey needs to meet your insurer’s definition of a UK holiday, so it’s worth checking the small print.

‘You may also be able to claim on home contents insurance, which can sometimes cover belongings outside the home, including on public transport.’

Train stations ranked by luggage theft (2025)

King’s Cross Railway Station – 177 theftsSt Pancras International Railway Station – 140 theftsEuston Railway Station – 88 theftsBirmingham New Street Railway Station – 67 theftsPaddington Railway Station – 65 theftsManchester Piccadilly Railway Station – 50 theftsLeeds Railway Station – 49 theftsYork Railway Station – 32 theftsNewcastle Central Railway Station – 31 theftsKing’s Cross St Pancras Underground Station – 30 thefts

 Source: MoneySuperMarket