Residential Security in London is more important now than ever before.

Residential Security in London is more important now than ever before. With police cutbacks and the slow recovery from the recession, thieves are taking advantage. With less chance of them being caught, and less chance of them going to prison with the prisons being full. The risk vs reward has made burglary a more attractive option for organised criminal gangs who are targeting more affluent residential areas in London with the hope of an easy pay day.

Burglary is the fastest growing crime nationwide, with criminals getting evermore sophisticated and violent in order to take your personal possessions for their own financial gain and greed. The festive season being the peak period where homes are targeted. A combination of the long dark nights and homes being fully stocked with Christmas gifts, gives burglars the perfect opportunity to profit.

London is home to the most expensive properties in the UK, and the most expensive residential street. These affluent areas are like magnets to criminals who will travel great distances, even from Europe, to target homes and vehicles. Vehicles are often stolen to order then exported.

Recently published figures shows Belgravia and Knightsbridge in Westminster as home to 5 of the top 10 most expensive streets, the others being close by in Kensington & Chelsea:

Grosvenor Crescent is the most expensive residential street in England and Wales, says latest research from Lloyds Bank.

To acquire a typical Grade II listed house on Grosvenor Crescent will cost an average of £16,918,000.

Five of the ten most expensive streets are in the prime residential areas of Belgravia and Knightsbridge in the City of Westminster.

They include Eaton Square with an average property value of £15,520,000 and Chester Square – £8,282,000 – both are in Belgravia.

Not far behind are Trevor Street, £10,150,000, and Montpelier Street, £8,483,000, in the Knightsbridge area.

The remaining four streets are in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; they include Cadogan Square, £8,592,000, Elgin Crescent, £7,683,000, Egerton Crescent – the most expensive street for the past two years, £7,100,000, and Hillsleigh Road, £7,091,000.

It’s no surprise then with these facts and figures in mind, that Westminster Security has seen a sharp increase in enquiries and customers for our mobile security patrols and residential security in London.

CCTV and an alarm, just isn’t enough these days. Nothing beats physical presence.

We provide former Police and Ex-Military security guards to protect properties 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. This could be through our static guard service, were a team of residential security guards are permanently stationed at your house; opening the door, screening mail and visitors, answering the phone, monitoring CCTV and conducting hi-visibility patrols.

Or through our mobile security patrol service, were a dedicated team visits your property and grounds at random times throughout the day and night, to conduct security patrols and checks. This service also includes alarm response and key holding. The mobile security patrol unit occasionally utilises guard dogs to assist in search of, and deterring opportunist and organised criminals.

Westminster Security pride ourselves in providing a premier security service to our customers. We have built an exemplary reputation for providing an unparalleled service, both in quality and efficiency. We can provide our residential security in London on a full-time, or part time basis. Ideal if you’re going away on business or holiday, giving you that peace of mind.

Westminster Security offer a free initial no obligation residential security review of your property. To find out more about our residential security in London, please contact us by filling in our enquiry form, or call us on 0208 123 3323, one of our security advisers will gladly assist you.

www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/residential-security-london/

Protective Surveillance - The alternative to Close Protection

Protective Surveillance

Protective surveillance is becoming an evermore popular method of protection preferred by prominent business people, families and visiting dignitaries. It’s a less obtrusive form of close protection, amalgamated with surveillance to provide a discreet personal protection service. Our guest blogger this month is Gavin Mooney of SIKA Security and Investigations in Stirling, Scotland. Gavin is a retired British Soldier with over 25 years experience in communications, protection and surveillance. He explains more about protective surveillance below.

The Advantages of Protective Surveillance

There are certain situations where protective surveillance might be beneficial in order to discreetly protect yourself or your client. Protective surveillance is ideal for anyone who might need covert close protection, there are a few advantages that can be gained though this surveillance technique.

Maintain Daily Routines

One of the drawbacks of hiring a close protection team is the fact that some clients feel as though their daily activities are hindered. It is important to have the team near in case their help is needed, but clients wonder where the line of obtrusive protection lies.

Protective surveillance allows the team to research the potential threat so that they can provide protection, without too much impact on your daily schedule. So, you can continue with your regular daily tasks, without worrying about the close proximity of your team.

What is Protective Surveillance?

This technique allows your protection team to gain on-going intelligence so that they can assess the risk at any moment. This intelligence can be gathered through electronic and physical research, and it allows the team to gather applicable information in order to put together an effective protection plan.

One of the benefits of this surveillance plan is that the team strives to maintain a semblance of normality in your life. The team works hard to observe the situation and control risk from a distance, to avoid tipping off a potentially dangerous person.

Who Can Benefit from Protective Surveillance?

Anyone might find benefit from protective surveillance depending on their situation. These services are especially suited for people who have a high net worth, who have a high profile in the media, or for someone who is being stalked.

Another reason that this surveillance might be used is if you need to be sure that you are not being followed. With physical surveillance, your protective team will watch your movements from a distance, in order to determine if anyone is following you. Once those individuals have been identified, it becomes much easier to “watch the watchers.”

Usually, protective surveillance is offered as part of a larger close protection plan, although there are certain situations where protective surveillance might be sufficient as a stand-alone service.

Digital Protective Surveillance

In our modern world, it is becoming easier to use digital techniques in order to gather information over the phone or through other listening devices. There are tools that can be used through cell phones, home phones, radios, televisions, or many other devices in a home or office.

Many people find that information gathering in this manner is much more effective than physical surveillance, because details can be gathered from a distance and throughout the day.

Talk with an Expert

Do you need protective surveillance? Contact SIKA to learn more about the ways these surveillance strategies can be implemented for your individual situation. When you hire an expert, you have complete peace of mind that everything is being taken care of.

SIKA Security and Investigations Agency (SIKA), offer private investigator services in the Edinburgh and Glasgow areas. These services include surveillance as well as many other aspects that might be needed for a private investigation. SIKA are a trusted partner of Westminster Security, together we are able to cover the whole of the United Kingdom, providing an unparalleled investigation and protection service for our customers.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/protective-surveillance/

Security Alert at Parliament as Westminster Brought to a Standstill

Security Alert at Westminster Palace as Suspect ‘device’ found

A mobile phone and drinks bottle sparks security alert at The houses of Parliament, Westminster brought to a temporary standstill as roads are cordoned off and people advised not to use mobile phones near suspected device. James Kirkup, Political Editor at The Telegraph reports:

• A section of the Palace of Westminster in the shadow of Big Ben was evacuated in a brief security alert after an X-ray detected a mobile phone and a drinks bottle.
• Police and security officers cordoned off a section of the Parliamentary estate around New Palace Yard, next to the base of the clock tower.
• One officer said the alert was triggered after an X-ray operator at the Parliament visitor centre detected what appeared to be a mobile phone connected to a liquid bottle in a bag.
• Specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police, wearing rubber gloves, were called and inspected the package.
• It transpired that the phone was not connected to the bottle.

The security alert comes just 2 months after it was announced that cutbacks had to be made to the security budget, and that some of the policing roles at The Palace of Westminster would be replaced by private security contractors. Although the Met Police would continue to have an armed presence at Parliament. Some MPs have expressed their concerns that security companies may employ agency staff, who have had little training and not yet completed vetting.

Police at the palace warned people not to use their mobile phones “for your own safety”, the roads around Parliament square were closed off to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from passing in front of the Houses of Parliament. A 30 meter cordon was in place across the square to keep tourists away from the suspected device. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “There is a security alert. We have no further details.”

A spokesman from local London security company, Westminster Security commented: “MPs have every right to be concerned for their personal safety, they should be able to go about their daily duties without the worry that their safety is being compromised due to budget cutbacks. You seen what happened at the London Olympics, who’s to say that won’t happen again, but with fatal consequences?.”

The area around Westminster Palace was declared safe within one hour of the security alert.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/security-alert-at-parliament-suspect-device-found-westminster-at-standstill/

London Security Company Recruiting SIA licensed Security Guards

Renowned London security group; Westminster Security, are currently recruiting close protection officers and security guards for positions within hotels, events, and door supervision for the summer season. The company is looking to employ highly motivated and reliable security professionals to enhance the groups professional image.

Westminster Security, which provides personalised security services for its clients, has a strict recruitment process that only employs the finest security personnel, exemplifying an outstanding, proven background in the private security industry. The company is interested in hearing from individuals with at least 2 years experience in a similar security role in London, and particularly keen to recruit former British military and police officers.

Applicants need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority, with a proven record of employment and continual personal development. Successful applicants will undergo meticulous reference, criminal and financial background checks for the safety and security of their clients. Most security officers are specially chosen for their skill-set in their chosen field through careers in the Police, Army, Navy and Royal Air Force. This rigorous selection process ensures the highest quality security operatives for the customer, for their complete peace of mind and overall quality of service.

If you feel you have the right qualities, experience and training to offer, visit their employment page to check your eligibility and to apply.

Complimenting their close protection services, Westminster Security also offers security chauffeurs, residential security, surveillance, private investigations, security concierge, and retail security in London. To learn more about the company and its list of premier security services, visit www.WestminsterSecurity.co.uk today.

About Westminster Security

Based in Central London, Westminster Security is an independent private security company that provides a wide array of security and investigation services. The company only employs highly trained, and trusted former police and military security professionals, to protect clients and their businesses from risks and threats posed to their wealth, security and safety. These security professionals discreetly offer protection and safety for an extensive range of clients from different cultures and countries around the world.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/london-security-group-seeks-dependable-security-professionals/

Westminster Security London - New Website!

Welcome to our new website!

Westminster Security have a new website, it’s been 12 months in the making, and we hope you like it!. Apart from a complete redesign and rewrite, we've added an Arabic section for those travelling from the Middle East who are looking for a security company in London. We’ve added a blog section to enable us to communicate company updates, Industry news, press releases and employment opportunities. We’ve linked our social media accounts, don't forget to ‘Like Us’ on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter, and we're now on Google+. We look forward to connecting with you!.

About Westminster Security

We are a private security company based in Central London, established to provide high end premier security services to customers who require more than just security. Our service has been tailored to provide complete security and bespoke lifestyle management, including transportation, concierge, investigation and manned security. We pride ourselves on providing a premier service without the premium cost. We believe in quality over quantity so recruit only the most trained and experienced security operatives with backgrounds in the Police and British Armed Forces. All of whom undergo a strict vetting and recruitment process. Enabling us to provide our customers with a security management service that is second-to-none.

Our Area of operation

Westminster security mainly operate in London and the surrounding areas. However, we have to capabilities and experience to operate anywhere in the UK, Europe and around the world. We regularly operate in France for our clients which is becoming an evermore popular destination, therefore we have established a strong team based in Paris, ready to deploy at a moments notice. Over the years we have provided close protection bodyguards and security chauffeurs in Iraq, Kurdistan, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi, the United States of America and South America. We are due to deploy security teams to some of these destinations shortly.

Services we provide

• Chauffeurs – All of our chauffeurs are trained to the highest standards in driving. They have undergone advanced driver training in either the military or police, they have then completed advanced driver training with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) or RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), in some cases both qualifications. Our Security Chauffeurs have the same advanced driving qualifications, plus SIA close protection training, and further close protection driver training which includes but not limited to: route selection and planning, protocol & etiquette, embus/debus drills, intensive advanced defensive driving, surveillance awareness & detection, reaction to attack, vehicle control limits and escort/convoy driving drills. This training ensures that we provide the best security chauffeurs in London. For more information on our chauffeur and security chauffeur in London services, please contact us or visit our chauffeur in London page.

• Close Protection / Bodyguards – Our male & female close protection bodyguards in London are amongst the best, most sought after in the security industry. The vast majority of them are from specialist VIP protection units in the military and police. We can supply bodyguards in London of any shape or size to fit your individual requirements. Some clients prefer the discreet ‘executive’ bodyguard who wouldn't look out of place at The Ritz, others like the large physical presence of a ‘man mountain’ to escort them in clubs etc. Whatever your reference, we can provide all your close protection needs in London. For more information on our close protection in London, please contact us or visit our close protection page for more information.

•  Concierge – We provide an unparalleled concierge service in London to our clients, this is not a stand-alone service and is usually provided as part of a close protection service. Our close protection teams are well experienced in providing for all of our customers last minute requirements, anything from popular restaurant/club reservations, VIP cinema/concert/sporting tickets to flights and chartered jets. The only limits are time and your budget, we will do our utmost to source almost anything you want with our vast connections throughout the globe. Security Concierge – Our security concierge service in London combines the front of house receptionist role with that of a security guard, this is an effective way of providing a discreet security presence at your business or residential development. Our security guards are all trained and experienced in providing first class customer service whilst maintaining security. For information on either of our concierge services in London, please contact us.

• Door Supervisors – Westminster Security provide male & female door supervisors in London to many licensed venues, including hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and private members clubs. Our door supervisors have built an enviable reputation in providing a premier door security service in London. Gone are the days were ‘brutes in suits’ “run the doors”, todays door supervisors – or at least the one’s we employ, have not only a strong physical presence, but also able to converse with a broad spectrum of people from all different backgrounds and nationalities. The vast majority of our Door Supervisors have a British military background, we believe they are a real asset and have consistently proved this through their dedication and helpfulness to our clients and their customers. For more information on door supervisors in London, please contact us or visit our door supervisors in London page.

• Event Security – Our Door Supervisors are also utilised for event security in London, whether big or small, public or private. Westminster Security are able to consult and manage the security for you event in London. For more information on our event security in London and for some examples of the events we have provided security for, please visit our Event Security In London page. 

• Private Investigation - Our Private investigators in London are mainly retired police officers who are experts, and have vast experience in investigations. We provide Private Investigators in London for a wide variety of tasks. Our private investigators in London begin by gathering information from our client, they investigate further or act on these instructions by compiling photographs and/or statements and report the facts to the client before surveillance is instructed if required. It may surprise you what Private investigators actually do, their roles include but not limited too: Process Serving, Locus Reports, Witness Statements, Missing Persons, Listening Devices, Matrimonial Enquiries, Covert CCTV, Court Attendance, Tracking Vehicles, Trace Enquiries, Background Checks and Test Purchasing. For Private Investigation Services in London, contact us. Or visit our Private Investigators in London page.

• Residential Security – Westminster Security provide Residential Security in London for private individuals who require the extra presence of a security guard at their home or hotel suite. Residential security in London varies from a full-time static security guard to 24hr mobile patrols, visiting your property at random or set times throughout the day and night to confirm the security of your property and the absence of undesirables. Hotel residential security in London is usually provided 24hrs a day by a close protection bodyguard to royalty, celebrities and security conscious individuals. The bodyguard is in control of access to the room/suite and reports all activity to the close protection team leader via a written log. For more information on our residential security in London, please contact us or visit our residential security in London page.

• Retail Security – We provide retail security guards in London to many prestigious brands and designer labels, our retail security guards in London have built a great reputation in providing an exemplary service for many high street stores and designer boutiques. Westminster Security understand that customer service is as important as shop security, therefore only employ security guards whom speak perfect English with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Our retail security guards in London are all trained in first-aid, theft awareness and conflict management. If you are looking for a security company in London to provide you with retail security guards that will reflect a positive image of your business to your customers, contact us or visit our retail security guard page for more information.

• Surveillance – London is the surveillance capital of the world, with more CCTV cameras per head than anywhere else. Believe it or not, that makes it even harder for surveillance to be conducted on an individual, as the surveillance operative is also under constant surveillance whilst travelling discreetly around London, undetected by the target, but potentially drawing the attention of the police or CCTV operators. That’s why when it comes to surveillance in London, we are the experts. Our surveillance operatives have backgrounds in the security services, police and military special forces. They are trained to go undetected whilst gathering irrefutable evidence for our clients and submission to the courts. For more information on our surveillance service in London, please contact us or visit our surveillance in London Page.

Thank you for visiting our new Website and blog, if you feel any part of our site could be improved our you would like to comment in anyway about our site or services, please complete the comment box below.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/welcome-new-website/

Close Protection London - Bodyguards in London

Close Protection in London

Security experts estimate that 95% of all close protection operations in the UK, start in/or are conducted within London and the Greater London region. With Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and the City of London being the hotspots for close protection teams to operate. Generally the work is seasonal, with the influx of tourists from around the world, flocking to London during the summer months to escape the intense heat of their home nations, and to sample the famous cosmopolitan lifestyle that London offers.

What is Close Protection?

In layman’s terms; close protection (CP) is a term used to describe the manned security provided to a person to protect them from physical harm, theft or kidnap. Ensuring their personal safety and security from the threats and risks posed to them. The term given to the manned security is ‘close protection operatives’ (CPO’s) more commonly known as ‘bodyguards’ (BG’s) The person whom is being protected is generally referred to as a ‘principal’. The principal may employ a number of bodyguards depending on the threat posed to them and their family, the collective term for this is ‘close protection team’.

Who needs close protection in London?

There are no prerequisites to be afforded protection from bodyguards in London. If a person, family or business feels the requirement for additional personal security, then they will seek to employ the services of a private security company. The security company will liaise with the principal or their PA and establish the reasons why they feel the need for personal protection. The security company will immediately act upon the principals concerns by providing the requested manpower and electronic counter measures if required, then investigate further. A threat and risk analysis report will be compiled, utilising private investigators in London to establish any threats and the risks posed to the principal, their family and their interests. Once the threat has been established, surveillance may be conducted to monitor it, their capabilities and the risk posed by it/them. The security company will then be in a better position to advise the principal and put in place the relevant risk management measures. Be it physical manned guarding, electronic counter measures or a combination of the two.

Then and only then will the security be effective. – Establish the threat and risks, monitor it, and put in place relevant countermeasures to manage it. The old adage; ‘fail to prepare, then prepare to fail’, certainly applies.

Principal not principle!

A principal is the person being provided personal security, they come in all shapes and sizes, as do CPO’s – but we will discuss this later on. There are 2 main different types of principals; those that need security, and those that think they do. The latter generally being more demanding than the first. Those who need bodyguards may include royalty, heads of state, celebrities, sports personalities, company CEO’s, successful business people and court witnesses. These principals generally like to keep a low profile and take on board any expert security advice given. Principals that ‘think’ they need bodyguards who may not actually need them, may want them as a status symbol, to display wealth and importance, where there is no direct threat against them. This attracts a lot of undue attention by undesirables and by having bodyguards, actually increases the risk of attacks, be it verbal or physical, towards them. This type of principal generally disregards any sort of security advice in favour of their own clouded judgement. However, regardless of who the principal is, the threat and risks posed to them, their age, sex, religion/beliefs or career. Should not negatively affect a CPO’s professionalism and the quality of security provided to them.

Duties of a close protection operative (CPO) or bodyguard

As a bodyguard in London, you will be required to operate in a number of roles within a close protection team. As your career progresses, you will discover which role you are best suited to, focus on this and be the best you can. Be the person on speed dial for close protection team leaders across London. Continue to train and qualify yourself in other areas of close protection, making yourself highly employable. Some of the roles that you might be expected to operate in, include:

Close Protection Operative (Bodyguard)

Team member, ie. A CPO within a team. An Individual Bodyguard (IBG) or Personal Protection Operative (PPO), where you operate on a 1-1 basis with your principal. A team 2ic, you will assist the team leader and step up in their absence. And finally a team leader (TL), a position reserved generally for the most senior or most experienced member of the team.

Residential Security Team (RST)

As the name suggests, your duties will be to secure the principals residence day or night. This may be a hotel room or sprawling country estate. Both situations are very different, however the same principles apply, just adapted slightly depending on your surroundings.Residential security in London should be provided 24 hours a day, with day and night shifts lasting 12 hours each.

Surveillance / Counter Surveillance

When providing close protection in London as part of a larger team, you may be expected to conduct counter surveillance. Observing the close protection team from a distance, looking into and around their environment, looking for anyone watching your team, keeping note of people and vehicles that keep appearing at the same places the team is. Once spotted, it is your job to disrupt that surveillance, enabling your team to lose the surveillance.

Security Chauffeur / Close Protection Driver

Close Protection Teams in London usually operate a 2 vehicle convoy, the front vehicle being the VIP car, transporting your principal in a luxury saloon. And the rear vehicle usually a powerful 4×4, which the CP team travel in. If a professional security chauffeur is not employed, you may be required to chauffeur the principal, or drive the security car – the 2 driving styles required for each of the vehicles, is very different, hence ‘chauffeur’ and ‘drive’. Both tasks require a lot of skill, the convoy must remain as one, with both drivers fully aware of the others next move, and everything else on the road. Road moves are the single most dangerous part of any close protection operation. The embus & debus of the vehicle, and whilst the vehicles are in motion, is the time when most attacks or accidents occur. Therefore, it is imperative that CPO’s undergo advanced driver training, and continue to practise their vehicle drills. Unfortunately, a skill which is overlooked and seriously lacking in many bodyguards, which can have drastic consequences.

Westminster Security Close Protection Service

Westminster Security provide a premier close protection service in London and throughout the world. We deploy former British Military Close Protection experts from the Royal Military Police – Close Protection Unit, Special Air Service and specialist former Police protection officers of the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection units. As well as former British Military personnel who have undertaken rigorous training and excel in their chosen field of security.

For more information on our Close Protection services, please contact us.

If you feel you meet our high standards and criteria for employment, please complete our online application.

Found this blog useful?, please share it or add a comment below. No phone calls regarding employment please.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/close-protection/

Private Security Services in London Shine During Star-studded Events

Will this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show finally be open to the public? A news feature on the Telegraph says it is possible, albeit at a rather steep price. Cornucopia Events, an event planning company based in London, exclusively offers £10,000-£12,000 tickets to the giant brand’s iconic lingerie fashion show that takes place on 2nd December. Olivia Bergin, fashion editor for the digital publication, describes the spectacle as follows:

It’s a catwalk extravaganza that’s being staged in London for the first time, features the world’s most sought-after bodies and performers and costs millions to produce. In a nutshell, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is not your average event.

The event has mostly been held in New York since its inception in 1995 and features the lingerie giant’s Angels (spokesmodels who have become household names thanks to their career-cementing contracts) strut down the runway in fantastical creations that rarely make it into stores – unless you count its window displays. Joining Angels Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss and Adriana Lima at this year at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre are rumoured to be London girls Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn.

While the strutting happens, the likes of Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Taylor Swift serenade the audience. The spectacle is then broadcast to millions of viewers across the world.

According to an unnamed source, the tickets come with a hefty price tag that is meant to attract only individuals with a high net worth. That’s assuming these people have the classy personality to fit the event’s star-studded guest list. Although a Victoria’s Secret executive says no one is yet authorised to sell tickets to the invite-only extravaganza, highly connected concierge services say they can make it happen for well-paying guests.

A prospect of this sort can be a potential cause for alarm since the privacy of celebrities and high-profile personalities could potentially be jeopardised. After all, what’s to stop aggressive paparazzi or undesirables from purchasing their own tickets and disrupting the peace at such an otherwise fun event? Given the unpredictable nature of these threats, high-profile people would be wise to invest in London security services.

A reputable London close protection service provider like Westminster Security employs highly trained former police and military security personnel to serve as bodyguards for high-net-worth clients. With superior protection at hand, celebrities and other high-profile individuals can set their minds at ease knowing that they are safe at whatever function or after-party they attend.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/private-security-services-london-shine-star-studded-events/

London Security Guards Maintain Safety in Luxurious Establishments

As one of the most popular fashion capitals of the world, London is home to several respected designer brands including Burberry, Mulberry, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, and Paul Smith. With these powerhouse firms based in the heart of Great Britain, it does not come as a surprise that conglomerate Condé Nast wants to expand its magazine-inspired hospitality brands in the city, as reported by Matthew Chapman for Marketing Magazine:

Condé Nast could launch its GQ, Vogue and Tatler branded-restaurants and bars in London within a couple of years as it explores ways of extending its brands throughout the hospitality industry. 

The Condé Nast International Restaurants division of the publishing company is already running five up-market restaurants and bars in Moscow, Dubai, and Kiev, but is about to extend the initiative into Bangkok and Kazakhstan.

Gary Robinson, director of restaurants at Condé Nast International Restaurants, said: “For me London is the ultimate goal, it is where we ought to be. And in the same vein we ought to be in Paris, Milan and New York. It is something we are working towards.” 

Robinson hopes there could be a London launch “within the next couple of years” depending on Condé Nast finding the right licensing partner and location.

A lot of prominent personalities like Vogue’s Anna Wintour, as well as celebrities like Kate Moss and Daisy Lowe, frequently fly to London for exclusive events such as London Fashion Week and other gatherings, together with many local socialites. Such events are often held in iconic venues where professional London security guards are tasked to maintain safety and order.

Luxurious establishments like the planned Condé Nast restaurants fit the profile of places that important people would visit, and such locations would certainly need exceptional security in London provided by experienced firms such as Westminster Security. As the city continues to attract rich, famous, influential, and powerful individuals, many high-end locations would have to rely on these dependable security services to ensure that VIPs and other guests are sufficiently protected during social events.

Private security firms employ highly trained professionals who will constantly monitor the vicinity and adjacent sections of luxurious establishments. Moreover, they can sweep party venues in advance to ensure that there are no threats that could disrupt glamorous functions and gatherings. They act as a visual and physical deterrent to any undesirables, as well as providing a friendly front of house point of contact for VIP’s and customers.

Luxury restaurants and event venues alike, need to employ reliable security services. A lack of order and security might result in mishaps or bad publicity. Having a reputable private security firm as a partner would be beneficial in maintaining the peace and reputation of high-class establishment.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/london-security-guards-maintain-safety-luxurious-establishments/

Business Executives on the Rise Need Reliable London Security Services

London is considered to be a melting pot of culture, style, and stature as it was once a center of world civilisation and industrialisation. Today, the city continues to house some of the world’s most notable and iconic institutions and businesses. One of these companies is the fashion brand Burberry, which has recently appointed a new CEO as reported by Andrew Trotman for The Telegraph:

Burberry has handed its new chief executive a “golden hello” in shares worth up to £7.5m and an annual pay package of up to £8.1m, according to reports.

Christopher Bailey’s salary includes a £440,000 allowance for clothing and other items, £53,000 more than former boss Angela Ahrendts, who is leaving the British fashion house to join US technology giant Apple as its head of retail. The difference is believed to be because Ms Ahrendts has a car and driver that Mr Bailey will not use.

He will be handed a £1.1m salary, an annual cash bonus of up to £2.2m and £330,000 in pension contributions. Mr Bailey could also be eligible for share awards of £4.4m a year until 2017 under a performance-based executive share plan.

London, and Great Britain in general, rivals the United States in playing the role of host to some of the largest and most respected corporations in the world, including tech firms, fashion companies, and banks. These organisations also continue to attract talented and high-net-worth individuals to act as their executives. Just like Burberry’s Christopher Bailey, business executives on the rise need reliable London security services to ensure that they can do their jobs in a safe environment.

Companies that have extensive experience in providing close protection and retail security in London, such as Westminster Security, are ideal partners for many up-and-coming executives and their peers. These firms are staffed by highly trained security specialists who are well-versed in the practices employed by law enforcement agencies. Moreover, they can perform surveillance and background checks to screen for potential threats to their clients.

Conglomerates will always be on the lookout for innovative professionals to join their team of executives, which may prompt undue attention that would entail significant levels of danger for these personalities. Hiring a good security team can give business executives the peace of mind in being great assets to their particular companies without any worries of harm.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/business-executives-rise-need-reliable-london-security-services/

Residential Security in London: Arm Your Home and Self against Harm

Stalking incidents can get out of hand. Sometimes, aside from getting close to you, an over friendly fan or ‘friend’ may indeed wish to harm you and steal from you.

One such incident happened to an Oscar-winning celebrity recently when a stalker was able to break through the high barb wire-topped fences, avoiding the surveillance system that supposedly kept her home safe. The Daily Mail features the story on Mail Online:

It has been revealed that Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock only realised a stalker was in her home when she came face-to-face with him outside her bedroom door.

When Sandra got up to lock the door to her bedroom, the starlet saw ‘Corbett right there in the hallway wearing dark clothing’ and preceded to the slam the door shut and lock it before calling police to report the intruder.

Joshua James Corbett, 39, was filmed by Good Morning America while in court last month, where he was charged with felony counts of residential burglary, stalking and possession of a machine gun, report CNN. He was not thought to have the machine gun on him at the time of the break-in and Sandra’s adopted son, Louis, was believed to be with a nanny.

Various other celebrities have experienced similar incidents, Madonna being one of them. In 1996, a stalker who threatened to either marry her or slash her throat, scaled her Hollywood Hills home. Fortunately, the iconic 80s star was unscathed as her bodyguard took evasive action.

You don’t have to be rich and famous to have manned security at your home, anyone can benefit from hiring residential security in London. According to data from a MoneySupermarket.com report, quite a number of ‘trendy neighbourhoods’ and city districts were included in the list of top 20 British postcodes where burglary was most prevalent. Take the case of a home in Melton that was ransacked just recently. The married couple who owned the property were away on holiday when a burglar broke in and took about £40,000 worth of possessions, including expensive heirlooms, jewellery, electronic equipment, and their car.

If you are considering improving your residential security in London, you can get a highly trained security guard in London for static or mobile patrols of your home and neighbourhood. A private security company like Westminster Security employs experienced professionals from backgrounds in the Police and Armed Forces, who will keep a close eye on you and your home to ward off any undesirables who may wish to do you harm.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/residential-security-london-arm-home-self-harm/

Overseas Visitors Commend Close Protection Security in London

                                 

At Westminster Security, a number of international customers regularly rely on our close protection security services whenever they visit London for business. While our company is proud to be able to maintain great working relationships with many of our long-term clients, it’s always a pleasure to see new customers approach us for assistance with their private security in London.

In June, our company was honoured to have been chosen to protect two new high profile, international customers. Both tasks were an astounding successes, with each of our principals commending the efficiency and professionalism exhibited by our skilled team of close protection operatives.

Both parties to our beautiful city were here for entirely different reasons, but both required complete protection from our team around the clock. As with all our clients, Westminster Security pulled out all the stops and provided them with a detail comprised of members with backgrounds in the Royal Military Police and the United Kingdom Special Forces divisions of the British Armed Forces.

On the road, both principals chose to be transported in our Rolls-Royce Phantom, accompanied by their bodyguard we supplied. The personal escort section team assigned to them, on the other hand, used our Range Rover Autobiography as a backing vehicle. Both chauffeurs of those vehicles were advanced drivers with vast experience in security chauffeuring in London and around the world, the clients knew they were in safe hands.

Both principals took up temporary residence in one of London’s five-star hotels, and our team took charge of sweeping and securing their accommodation daily. Working with the in-house security team of the prestigious hotel, our close protection operatives were admired for the manners and discretion they afforded the hotel staff, and our principals as well. In fact, we were later approached by the hotel security manager with an offer to supply close protection services to their visiting VIPs in the future, and we were naturally pleased to affirm their request.

As a result of our clients’ satisfaction with our services, the principals committed to using us in the future, for the duration of their visits to London and the UK. Westminster Security is proud of the trust that our new clients, and even the hotel we stayed at, have afforded us. It was certainly our pleasure to have worked with them and look forward to being able to assist them again in the future.

We invite other groups and individuals who would like to experience the unique brand of protection only Westminster Security can provide to visit our website, WestminsterSecurity.co.uk, to identify the services that most fit their needs. Aside from close protection, we are also able and equipped to provide event security, private investigation, surveillance, residential security, and retail security in London.

Please contact us to see how we can assist you.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/close-protection/

Got Your Back: Private Security in London for the U.K.’s Rich and Famous

Demand for residential and WAG (wife-and-girlfriend) security seems to have spiked in the days prior to the World Cup. Most of their clients, rather unsurprisingly, were football players.

Jeremy Armstrong and Andy Lines of the Daily Mirror believe these players learned their lessons the last time they left their homes unprotected while out-of-town. Team captain Steven Gerrard had his Formby home ransacked in 2007 while leading Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Marseille. The burglar has been serving time behind bars for more than seven years now.

Luckily, security is one of the perks of playing for a football club like Liverpool or Manchester United. These clubs have close ties to local security companies to make sure their members’ homes are safe, allowing them to focus on the games ahead. You can say that private security in London is a contributing factor in helping the national football team win.

Still a Serious Issue

Data from the Metropolitan Police reports a drop in residential burglaries across London by 11.4 percent. Nevertheless, cases still number in the tens of thousands; from 59,896 in May, 2013 to 53,038 in May, 2014. Furthermore, several boroughs like Hackney and Bexley report the highest rate of increase in these crimes.

It’s interesting to know that Hackney is home to a number of affluent homes but is often troubled by crime. Notwithstanding gun crime, armed robberies aren’t uncommon in this part of London. Homes in high-risk areas warrant London security guards like those from Westminster Security to protect property, people, possessions and personal wealth.

Popularity Factor

Popularity may as well be a risk factor at this point. Aside from football players, stars are also prime targets for burglars. In 2012, Bernie Ecclestone, known in tabloid media as F1 Supremo, was given a black eye in exchange for the £200,000 stolen from him. The culprits are currently serving their 53-year collective sentence but weren’t convicted of assaulting Ecclestone.

Along with other cases, this highlights the need for round-the-clock protection inside and outside homes. There’s even the need for security guards to go undercover. In a more recent example, it was revealed that Emma Watson’s friend during her graduation at Brown University was actually tasked with keeping the actress safe (although the reason remains unclear).

Security is a right that people from all walks of life share. Security guards will always have your back, so you can keep looking forward.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/got-back-private-security-london-u-k-s-rich-famous/