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In recent years, personal security has been essential to combat the risk of potential attacks, particularly for high net-worth individuals, celebrities, politicians, and executives.

Personal security requires proactive measures to be implemented to prevent or respond to violent or non-violent criminal activities. It entails recognising, anticipating, and evaluating the potential risks of a crime happening.

Such precautions are important for individuals of all backgrounds. These precautions become more significant for HNWIs due to the elevated security threat they may face.

One example of a security threat against HNWIs is the 2016 incident involving the Duke and Duchess of Richmond, where an individual known as the Night Watcher invaded their Sussex Goodwood estate. The aristrocrats were compelled to surrender heirlooms valued at half a million pounds. 

This violent offender carried out over a dozen incidents between 2006 and 2017 in several counties including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, and Kent, amassing a total haul exceeding £10 million. The perpetrator employs a sawn-off shotgun during his raids and remains at large.

Another example can be seen in mugging. Mugging exposes victims to sudden threats to their lives and an intrusion of their personal space. These events happen when offenders come across vulnerable victims — especially people with visible possessions, often associated with HNWIs — in an environment conducive to robbery.  

Research conducted by the Liberal Democrats revealed that there were more than 30,000 muggings in England and Wales last year that did not lead to the identification of any suspects by the police. According to research from the House of Commons Library, only eight percent of reported personal property robbery cases to the police last year resulted in someone being charged. 

Implementing the right degree of personal security

Personal security is often approached with extremes — some underestimate the risk, while others live in constant fear. Like most cases, the ideal approach is somewhere in the middle — be adequately aware of potential threats and adopt practical safety measures to safeguard yourself.

Start by paying attention to your surroundings. Maintaining constant vigilance lets you detect potential threats and take preemptive measures before escalations. You can also bring self-defence tools to help you escape from a dangerous situation. Moderate self-defence items can be purchased depending on your jurisdiction. However, you should know the local laws regarding their use to avoid potential legal repercussions.

Another simple measure is to let your family or friends know where you are, especially when visiting a place with security risks. Stay connected with them through text messages or phone calls in case of emergencies. It is also sensible to add an emergency contact to your phone so the police, paramedics, or other people know who to call when you personally cannot make one. 

Many HNWIs sensibly employ close protection officers or a residential security team. Security personnel provided by top companies receive regular training. They have a great deal of experience and the skills to mitigate risks, deter potential threats, and ensure the safety of their principals.