Rich Londoners Hire Security, Leave Rolexes at Home Over Knife Crime, Robberies

‘The reality is that there are areas of London that are lawless. They’re also no-go areas,’ a police expert said.

A police van outside the gates of the British Museum in London on Aug. 23, 2023. Leon Neal/Getty Images

LONDON—One of the world’s most popular tourist destinations is struggling with rising levels of robbery, usually involving knives, which has led to an increase in demand for bodyguards, experts say.

Will Geddes, a former bodyguard and managing director of International Corporate Protection Group, which provides personal security teams in London, has witnessed a major change in the city.