London has seen a staggering rise in luxury thefts, with incidents now at their highest levels in over a decade. As reported by London Loves Business, thefts have surged by 60% in the last five years, with a 6.4% increase in the past year alone. New Metropolitan Police data* has revealed the number of reported luxury thefts in London has surged 22% in the past year, reaching a total of 9,433 stolen jewellery, watches and handbags in the past year alone.
This concerning trend disproportionately affects affluent areas like Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Chelsea, where organised gangs are targeting high-value assets with increasing sophistication.
The sharp rise in such crimes has left many questioning whether traditional security arrangements are capable of addressing these modern threats. At BPS, we believe they are not.
The Changing Face of Crime: A Necessary Shift in Security
The tactics employed by criminals have evolved significantly. Organised groups now use methods such as hostile reconnaissance, surveillance, and distraction techniques to bypass conventional deterrents like static guards or standard CCTV systems, by going in when they’re “on break” or by navigating blind spots. These outdated measures, while once effective, can no longer keep pace with the ingenuity and audacity of today’s criminals.
To protect against these growing threats, businesses and individuals must adopt a more proactive and sophisticated approach to security. Enhanced physical protection, tailored to modern challenges, is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. This is where the role of Specialist Security providers like ourselves come in either for operational deployments or training.

Enhanced Security Solutions from BPS
At BPS, we provide the expertise and solutions to meet these evolving threats head-on. Our comprehensive operational services are designed to offer unparalleled protection:
- Private Security: Professionally trained operatives provide a visible and effective deterrent to safeguard assets and premises.
- Close Protection: Personalised security solutions for individuals at greater risk.
- Covert Operatives: Our teams often work discreetly, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Their covert presence is highly effective at detecting and preventing incidents before they occur, offering a level of protection far beyond what traditional, visible security measures can achieve.
Behavioural Detection Training: The Key to Proactive Security
One of the most effective strategies in modern security is behavioural detection, which focuses on identifying and interpreting suspicious behaviours often exhibited during the planning stages of criminal acts. At BPS, our operatives are trained to recognise the subtle signs of hostile reconnaissance and preparatory acts for robbery.
We also provide businesses with the tools to strengthen their internal teams through our Level 3 Behavioural Detection Officer (BDO) Training. This accredited course equips participants with advanced skills, such as:
- Identifying pre-incident indicators, including suspicious behaviour, patterns of movement, or testing of security measures.
- Understanding the methodologies used by organised criminals.
- Developing proactive intervention techniques to prevent incidents before they escalate.
By investing in behavioural detection training, businesses can transform their existing security personnel into a proactive force capable of mitigating threats before they materialise. Read more or book your course here.
Why Choose BPS?
At BPS, we are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in modern security. Our teams, composed of accredited former police and military operatives, bring extensive experience and expertise to every assignment. We offer:
- Unmatched Expertise: Our operatives receive continuous, advanced training to combat evolving threats.
- Proactive Protection: From behavioural detection to covert surveillance, our solutions focus on preventing incidents rather than simply reacting to them.
- Discreet Efficiency: Whether working overtly or covertly, our personnel provide a level of protection that surpasses lesser-trained, basic security measures.

A Call to Action: Protect What Matters Most
The sharp rise in luxury thefts highlights an urgent need for a shift in how security is approached. Outdated and passive measures are no longer sufficient to counter the growing sophistication of modern criminals. Businesses and individuals must prioritise proactive, preventative security solutions that not only respond to incidents but actively deter them.
At BPS, we offer bespoke protection services and training solutions to safeguard your assets, your people, and your peace of mind. Don’t wait for a criminal incident to make you realise the gaps in your security or worse risks to your personal safety.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay one step ahead in an increasingly unpredictable world.