New secure shopping service launched to protect VVIP clients from high value post-purchase theft
Designed to be white-labelled and offered to the valued customers of leading brands and luxury retailers, the new service comes against the backdrop of a dramatic rise in the frequency of high-value watch, jewellery and designer bag thefts across London.
Over £22m of luxury items have been stolen on the streets of London over the past two years, including more than 3,000 watches, each with a value over £3,000*, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Recent high-profile victims include Britny Ward – wife of Jenson Button, Axel Schwan – President of Tim Horton, Christine Lampard and BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Thompson. Even Tom Cruise reportedly quit his luxury £35m Knightsbridge apartment following an armed raid on the nearby Bucherer Rolex Boutique.
Andy Fairbanks, former police officer and CEO of UK Protection, explains: “Criminals are increasingly zeroing in on wealthy individuals, using shock and extreme violence to steal precious items before making rapid escapes on e-bikes and scooters.
“Now, London’s luxury shopping quarters are in their crosshairs and are being targeted by criminals who lie in wait for wealthy shoppers to exit with their latest purchases. In seconds they can swoop, swipe, and escape taking with them purchases worth many thousands of pounds. With an increase in violent theft, customers can be left in shock and emotionally scarred, and it’s this trend that could easily dissuade loyal customers from shopping in the capital.”
Fairbanks added: “The VVIP luxury secure shopping service guards against customers becoming victims, offering seamless protection from home or hotel to London’s luxury retail districts and back again.
“Now, brands and luxury retailers that offer private shopping experiences can bookend this with luxury transport, elite protection and total discretion.”
Clients are escorted in long-wheelbase Autobiography Range Rovers, providing sophistication, safety and comfort. Accompanied by experienced close protection officers, who blend discreetly into the retail environment, UK Protection’s team use their operational experience to deliver continual situational awareness, protecting both individuals and their assets.
“This takes away the risk and worry of clients being targeted as they leave the boutique stores of Mayfair, Bond Street, or Knightsbridge,” says Fairbanks, “protecting them when they move between locations, or if they take the opportunity to dine out with friends, family or colleagues.”
Costing £2,500 a day + VAT, the VVIP Secure Shopping Service includes:
Pre-planned secure routes and timings
Discreet escorting between stores and venues
Secure arrivals and departures at luxury retail locations
Protection of high-value purchases and personal assets
Close protection officers trained to the highest professional standards
Flexible itineraries across London's prime shopping and hotel districts
The VVIP Shopping Service can be booked directly through UK Protection, arranged as part of a customer benefit package, or as a white-label partnership with luxury retail or hospitality brands.
Ideal for brands hosting international private client viewings, arranging buying days for high-net-worth families, or orchestrating multi-boutique shopping tours, UK Protection's team operates discreetly as an extension of the brand’s team, ensuring total security and peace of mind.
UK Protection is the UK’s leading provider of premium manned guarding to the retail sector, specialising in intelligent, preventative security. Its trained SIA-licensed security officers provide visible deterrence, real-time situational awareness and the ability to respond immediately should an incident occur. Working for leading luxury watch, jewellery and retail brands, UK Protection supports many prestigious clients in the UK including global luxury retailers and flagship stores.
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