Why Do I Need Private Security?
- paulfrederickjones
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
As someone who’s spent decades in both military service and private security, I’m often asked: What is the purpose of private security? The answer is simple - if you’re thinking about it, you likely already need it.
Security isn’t about paranoia. It’s about preparation. And if something were to go wrong, would you wish you’d done something sooner?
Why Is Personal Security Necessary?
The moment your success becomes visible (through wealth, status, or online presence) you also become visible to those who see you as a target.
At VIS Protection, we’ve worked with public figures, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth families across the UK and Ireland who faced calculated, targeted risks - not random acts of crime.
We’re talking about:
Aggravated burglary with violence or threat of harm
Kidnap or extortion, physical or digital
Unauthorised surveillance, media intrusion or stalking
These threats are real. And when they happen, it’s not just property that’s lost - it’s your sense of safety.
Why Is It Necessary For Security To Be Proactive?
Because the most dangerous threats are the ones you don’t see coming.
Some criminals aren’t interested in stealing - they’re planting. We’ve entered homes where listening devices or hidden cameras were installed to track routines or gather compromising content for blackmail. These cases often play out over months.
When we say security is about prevention, not just protection, we mean it.
The Emotional Toll Of Feeling Unsafe At Home
We’ve supported clients who, after a serious breach, couldn’t sleep, struggled with paranoia, or found it difficult to leave home.
Victim Support reports that those targeted by violent burglary often experience long-term psychological effects - PTSD, anxiety, and fear that lingers long after the threat has passed.
Personally, I’ve seen how deep this impact runs. One client told me, “It wasn’t what they took. It was what they changed in my mind.”
The peace of mind that comes from proactive protection is more than a service - it’s a necessity for living well.
Do Private Security Need SIA Licences?
Yes. In the UK, all private security operatives must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
But licensing is the bare minimum.
At VIS Protection, every member of our team is a former military or police professional. That means discipline, discretion, and real-world experience - not theory. We understand risk because we’ve lived it.
Still Unsure If You Need Private Security? Ask Yourself These 6 Questions
If you're debating whether you need private protection, these questions can offer clarity:
Have you or your family been in the public eye recently?
Do you regularly attend high-profile events or travel often?
Is your home or lifestyle visible online (intentionally or not)?
Have you experienced unwanted attention or online harassment?
Do you live in a high-value property with minimal local policing?
Would a breach impact your business, wellbeing, or reputation?
If you answered yes to even one, now may be the right time to consider protection.
How to Know When Your Principal Needs Security
For Personal Assistants, estate managers and family office staff, risk isn’t theoretical - you see the day-to-day patterns that reveal changes long before anyone else does. These are five signs that should prompt a security discussion:
1. Increased visibility or public exposure
New press coverage, a surge in online followers, attending high-profile events, or appearing in luxury-focused media all increase risk - often overnight.
2. Unwanted approaches or online escalation
Persistent messages, unusual comments, unknown vehicles near the property, or individuals attempting to reach the Principal directly through staff.
3. Travel patterns becoming predictable
Regular commutes, school runs, business routes, or routine restaurant/hotel choices create exploitable patterns for hostile actors.
4. High-value lifestyle changes
Purchase of luxury vehicles, jewellery or property, posting of lifestyle content, or a relationship with a new public figure can all elevate exposure.
5. Household stress signals
If the Principal or their family delay travel, change routines, avoid hosting guests, or express discomfort at home, these are strong indicators that security is becoming reactive rather than proactive.
Decision Flow: When to Recommend Security
If you’re unsure whether to escalate, use this simple framework:
Step 1 — Has visibility increased?
If yes → Review whether routines are still safe.
Step 2 — Has there been any concerning incident?
Unwanted attention, online hostility, paparazzi interest → Flag it immediately.
Step 3 — Would a breach impact reputation, business continuity or family wellbeing?
If yes → Security is now a strategic necessity, not an option.
Step 4 — Is the household relying on improvisation?
Changing routes, last-minute driver requests, or staff “keeping an eye out” → This is the point where professionals need to step in.
Step 5 — Does the Principal expect privacy without disruption?
If yes → Close protection or residential security can be integrated discreetly and without lifestyle change.
Who Needs A Bodyguard?
More people than you think. You don’t need to be a celebrity to be at risk.
Our clients include:
Influencers sharing lifestyle content
C-suite executives with financial visibility
Families with valuable homes or public profiles
Travellers needing secure transport abroad
Each case is different. For some, it’s discreet residential security. For others, it’s close protection during school runs or high-profile appearances. We also provide specialist bodyguard drivers and international travel security.
Why Private Security Is Worth The Investment
One of the most common regrets we hear? “I never thought this would happen to me.”
Security isn’t just for celebrities. It’s for anyone whose lifestyle, exposure, or profession makes them vulnerable to planned intrusion.
Much like life insurance, private security is about preparation, not panic. It allows you to live fully without constantly looking over your shoulder.
Why Choose VIS Protection?
When you work with VIS, you’re not hiring a service - you’re partnering with seasoned professionals who’ve operated in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
We offer:
Tailored residential protection for high-value homes
Close protection officers who blend in while threats stand out
Secure transport delivered by trained bodyguard chauffeurs
Advanced surveillance to spot risks before they escalate
We protect people - not just property. And we do it with discretion, experience, and complete respect for your privacy.
FAQ
What is the purpose of private security?
To safeguard individuals, assets, and lifestyles from targeted threats - before, during, and after they emerge.
Why is personal security necessary?
Because public visibility and wealth increase your exposure to criminal targeting, digital threats, and emotional harm.
Why is it necessary for security to be proactive?
Because most threats build quietly. Prevention saves more than reaction ever can.
Do private security need SIA?
Yes. All professionals must hold an active SIA licence to operate legally in the UK.
Can you hire a bodyguard in the UK?
Absolutely. And it’s more common than people realise. VIS Protection provides trusted, discreet close protection across London, Dublin and beyond.
Who typically hires private security?
Our clients include celebrities, digital influencers, executives, HNW families, and individuals with unique security needs.
Ready to talk? We offer confidential consultations with no pressure. Let’s discuss your circumstances and explore how we can help you live - and travel - with confidence.
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