VIP Close Protection and Store Security Amid Terror Threats from Ex-Employee
Mike Golf Security & Investigation Ltd provided close protection to a distinguished London family and their prominent high street store following a credible threat, delivering peace of mind and maintaining safety over a three-week period.
Task Overview
Mike Golf Security & Investigation was tasked with providing close protection and static security to a high-profile family who owned a well-known high street store in London. The client had received threats from a disgruntled ex-employee who had publicly harassed and incited violence against the family via social media. The individual’s behaviour had escalated to the point of becoming a credible security risk, classified as counter-terror in nature. Based on police advice, the family sought professional security services to protect themselves and their store.
For three weeks, our team provided round-the-clock security, ensuring the safety of the family and their business operations.
Objective
The objective was twofold: first, to ensure the personal safety of the family through close protection during their daily movements; second, to provide a constant visual deterrent at their high street shop to protect it from potential attacks or disturbances instigated by the ex-employee or those they incited. Our goal was not only to prevent any harm but also to offer the family reassurance during this unsettling time.
Challenges
The situation required a highly sensitive and discreet approach. The client’s family, although famous, wanted to maintain a semblance of normalcy and continue operating their store without drawing additional attention to the threat. Our team had to provide visible deterrence outside the store while remaining unobtrusive in public settings as they protected the family during their daily activities in and around London.
Additionally, the unpredictable nature of the threat, originating from someone familiar with the family and their business, required heightened vigilance and readiness to respond to any escalation. The emotional toll on the family added another layer of responsibility, as our team needed to not only protect but also provide comfort and reassurance throughout the process.
Strategic Approach
Mike Golf Security & Investigation implemented a comprehensive security plan combining close protection services and on-site guarding to create a secure environment for the family and their business.
Close Protection: The protection team was composed of highly trained operatives who accompanied the family on their daily routines and movements, both in and out of the store. This included school runs, social engagements, and business-related activities. The operatives remained in close proximity, discreetly providing security while ensuring the family could maintain a sense of normalcy.
Static Guarding: In parallel, we stationed a permanent guard outside the family’s high street store during operational hours. This visible presence was designed to act as a deterrent to anyone contemplating harm. The guard maintained a highly professional and approachable demeanor, ensuring the business could continue to operate smoothly without alarming customers while providing the necessary security oversight.
This two-pronged approach allowed for comprehensive coverage—protecting the family from both direct threats and potential risks to their business.
Personnel and Expertise
Given the complexity of the task, a highly experienced team was deployed, including close protection officers (CPOs) with backgrounds in high-profile family protection, and static guards trained in managing public-facing security without disrupting the customer experience.
The CPOs worked closely with the family, ensuring their daily activities were shielded from unwanted attention while providing constant security oversight. Meanwhile, the static guard at the store was selected for their ability to combine professionalism with approachability, serving as both a deterrent to threats and a reassuring figure to the family and staff.
Coordination with Authorities
Throughout the assignment, close coordination with the local police was maintained, as the suspect was already known to authorities. Our team regularly communicated updates regarding the family's movements and any unusual activity surrounding the store. This cooperation ensured that the police were aware of the situation at all times, leading to the eventual arrest and cautioning of the suspect.
Once the police located and arrested the individual, our task shifted towards ensuring no further escalation occurred from the suspect's online following or from any other unexpected threats.
Operational Execution
During the three-week assignment, our team maintained a constant presence at both the family residence and the store. The close protection team shadowed the family, ensuring their safety at all times, while the static guard remained vigilant at the store, watching for any suspicious activity. Both teams operated with a clear, coordinated strategy to cover all possible security risks without compromising the family’s daily life.
At the heart of the operation was our commitment to providing not only physical protection but also psychological comfort. Our operatives built rapport with the family, ensuring they felt secure and cared for during a particularly distressing time. This contributed to their ability to carry on with their normal routines despite the underlying threats.
Outcome and Client Satisfaction
The three-week protection period passed without incident. Thanks to the close collaboration between our operatives and the police, the suspect was successfully located, arrested, and cautioned. Following the arrest, the family reported feeling relieved and deeply grateful for the security and support provided by Mike Golf Security & Investigation.
The client emphasised that our team's presence had made a significant difference, allowing them to regain a sense of normalcy and feel protected while continuing their business operations. The visible deterrent at the store had been particularly effective in maintaining order, and the family was able to carry on with their daily lives in a secure environment.
Final Remarks
This operation showcased Mike Golf Security & Investigation Ltd's ability to manage sensitive and high-profile security tasks with discretion and efficiency. By combining close protection with static guarding and working closely with law enforcement, we were able to neutralise a potential threat and provide the family with the safety and peace of mind they needed. Our team's professionalism, combined with a compassionate approach to client well-being, left a lasting positive impact during a difficult period for the family.
