Celebrities seek protection from stalkers through ex-Police & Military Bodyguards

Being a celebrity can be a fun and exciting lifestyle, however all that fame and exposure can attract unwanted attention by undesirables. More and more celebs are employing ‘bodyguards’ also known as close protection to keep them safe from obsessive fans. Nadia Mendoza of the Express focuses on a recent situation:

“UNFORTUNATELY life doesn't quite imitate art for Emma Watson, and she cannot fly off on a broomstick if ever she falls in danger.

Instead, the Harry Potter actress has hired a former NYPD officer to act as a bodyguard – for the spellbinding sum of £90,000.

The 23-year-old has taken the extreme measure of personal protection after a recent incident while shooting her latest film left her shaken and fearing for her life.

Emma, who shot to fame as Hermione Granger in the JK Rowling film franchise, was filming for Darren Aronofsky-directed movie Noah.

While on location in Oyster Bay, Long Island, an obsessive fan managed to dupe studio security and venture onto set.”

The circumstances which have hounded one of Britain’s most popular young actresses, will be all to familiar to many young celebrities, as fans feel evermore attached to their favourite stars due to the popularity, and personal nature of social media. ‘The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012′ formally criminalised stalking and the National Stalking Clinic at the Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield, North London; claims to process up to 50 convicted stalkers a year. When you feel that your fame has reached a certain level or even that you feel concerned for your personal safety, it is time to seek professional assistance and hire private security. All to often, stars leave it too late, only employing close protection after there has been an indecent.

Watson recognised the fan because he kept loitering outside her house and had followed her on multiple occasions. This is not the first time she had a dedicated stalker, a mid-20s man was often present at open lectures during her stay at Headington School many years ago, which prompted intervention from security personnel.

People seeking the protection of a security guard in London will be more confident of the operative’s background if it included service in the military or police forces. Watson’s bodyguard, Denise Morrone, served many years at the 122nd Precinct in Staten Island, NY.

Simple “random encounters” have the potential to escalate into tense situations, a security contractor can stay on top of it by using private investigators to gather more intelligence. The compiled material can be turned over to the police for further action. An insider in Watson’s camp says a potential kidnapping threat exists due to her estimated net worth of £23 million.

Stalkers are unpredictable and dangerous, there’s a fine line between being a ‘super-fan’ and a stalker. Fortunately, the danger is avoidable when you have a company such as Westminster Security by your side.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/security-through-in-london-contractors-adequate-against-stalker-swarm/

Private Security in London may replace some Police roles at Parliament

Security is paramount for highly-important locations, especially in a country’s seats of power. Rebecca Keating of BBC News reports:

“Police officers could be replaced by private guards to cover some aspects of security at the Houses of Parliament. The Metropolitan Police force currently provides all security services for the Commons and the Lords. In a cost-saving move, airport-style security checks at the entrances will be put to tender – although the Met will still provide armed officers. But parliamentary officials said there would be no downgrading of security as a result of any changes.”

The development may be met with mixed reactions amongst private and public officials, especially in an internationally-important place such as London, England. The city is already smarting from a recent scare near the Bank of England, and memories are still fresh of unnecessary military mobilisations to compensate for gaps in the 2012 London Olympics’ security. Labour MP Barry Sheerman said he was concerned that private security companies in London would rely on agency staff. Westminster Security recruit, train and supply former British Armed Forces veterans and former Police officers for private security in London and throughout the UK, they would be high on the list of preferred contractors to bid for the tender.

A panel of security experts, MPs, and peers recommended the change in personnel as part of efforts to save more from the Parliament’s annual security budget, which stands at £24 million this year. Scotland Yard currently handles the screening work, but its contract is slated to expire in April, 2015. The tender is scheduled to be opened within a short period after. Guarding the entry points goes a long way to stopping potential threats, even when roving personnel are on the premises. In the case of Parliament, officers manning the public entrances have reported confiscating imitation weapons, knuckle dusters, and illegal substances such as cannabis. The same is true of security operatives finding unauthorised materials among retail patrons or event guests. It is unclear how the change will affect security for the lawmakers, even those who may be provided close protection by London security companies like Westminster Security. Sheerman said some MPs and their staff lamented a failure of Commons authorities to consult them about the development. Commons Speaker John Bercow would not even consider discussing the issue on the chamber floor.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/private-security-in-london-may-replace-some-police-roles-at-parliament/