The demand for close protection services in London has long been relatively high. Living and working in a large city such as London can be exciting and rewarding, but it comes with risks. From street crime to high profile targets such as politicians or celebrities, having extra security is essential when living in the capital. That is why considering the use of a quality bodyguard service in London is critical, if you want to stay safe.
As one of the world’s leading business and financial hubs, London attracts a lot of wealth and high-profile people. As a result, the city can attract interest from criminals both in the opportunist and organised sense. In addition, rising levels of knife crime, moped attacks and the increased threat of terrorism, in recent years, have led to people investing more heavily in their own personal security. At Valorous Group, we are witnessing exponential growth year-on-year in the number of individuals, families, foreign visitors and businesses investing in robust, strategic security teams. These dedicated teams not only keep people physically safe, they protect homes, businesses and assets – both digital and tangible.
What type of individual requires a bodyguard?
Traditionally, only the uber rich and famous or their family members would retain the services of a bodyguard. Whilst the UHNW certainly still dominates in terms of demand, there is a much greater awareness around personal security, in light of heightened terrorist threats – particularly from those visiting from abroad. But there are no real criteria to being afforded these types of services. If safety and protection are your biggest priorities, then there will undoubtedly be something out there for you.
What skillset does a London bodyguard possess?
Professional bodyguards are highly-trained experts – often ex-military or ex-Police – who provide both physical and psychological protection for those wanting an extra sense of security while out and about in London. Your bodyguard can accompany you anywhere – whether it’s simply around town running errands or attending exclusive events where you may be vulnerable to attack. They will also have experience dealing with any kind of situation – from paparazzi invasions to public brawls – so you can rest assured that any problem will be handled swiftly and confidently by your security team.
How has the rise of social media impacted personal security?
With 57 million active users in the UK alone, one thing all businesses need to be aware of is the potential security risk posed by social media. While platforms such as Facebook may have privacy settings that allow users to control who sees posts and personal information, it’s easy to overlook them and sites like Twitter are entirely public. Add to that the many high-profile incidents of hackings and data loss suffered by such platforms and it’s always safest to assume that any information shared on these platforms could end up in the wrong hands.
Many of us already know to avoid advertising when we’re going to be on holiday and a property will be empty but even the simple shot of you, out and about, in a car can offer glimpses of your whereabouts – thus making you vulnerable.
What should you be paying for close protection services?
There is no one size fits all approach to the provision of close protection services, particularly in London. And, ultimately, preserving your life and the lives of your family is priceless. There are multiple factors to consider when it comes to sourcing the right level of protection for you – viable threat levels, your profile, the company you work for. Each of these variables requires a nuanced approach to security and any reputable operator will identify these in an initial assessment. Ultimately, it’s your choice as to what you are willing to pay and what type of detail you feel is necessary. But remember the age old saying – you get what you pay for. And investing in quality security might just be the best investment you ever make.
If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard or are keen to explore the options available to you, our experts can carry out an initial threat and risk assessment before answering any questions you may have.