Some places steal your heart the moment you arrive, yet slowly lose their shine with time. That’s how Australian traveler Emily Brogan now feels about London, a city she once dreamed of calling home.

Emily moved from Brisbane hoping to enjoy the lively culture she’d heard so much about. But after eleven months, a string of frightening incidents left her feeling unsafe in her own neighborhood. The turning point came when her neighbor was robbed just one meter from her front door.

On that same day, another friend had her phone snatched by two men on a bike. Emily says she has lived with constant anxiety ever since her own phone and bag were stolen last summer. She once believed she was simply overthinking, but soon realized many locals felt the same rising fear.

Social media has since filled with similar stories from residents and visitors. Many describe London as a city struggling with violent street crime and soaring living costs. Phone thefts happen in minutes, and even wealthier neighborhoods report break-ins and moped gangs roaming freely.

Long-time Londoners say the city feels different now, with more stress, less security, and higher expenses. Some Australians living abroad insist they won’t return, while others still defend the city’s charm and resilience.

For Emily, the decision is made. She’s heading back to Australia, grateful for the experience but longing for a place where she can breathe easier. And her story leaves many wondering how much a city must change before people choose to walk away.