Tom Cruise and other celebrities leave London due to robberies

In a move reflecting a worrying shift in the lifestyle of London's elite, Hollywood star Tom Cruise to leave his luxurious London . This drastic decision is driven by a growing sense of insecurity and a rise in armed robberies that have become a threat to affluent neighborhoods.

The final straw for Cruz came after a brazen armed robbery at a luxury watch store near his home, carried out in broad daylight, according to The Standard. This incident is not isolated, but rather part of a series of crimes that have been plaguing residents of the city's wealthier neighborhoods.

Context of the crisis: London is losing its security appeal

Historically, neighborhoods like Knightsbridge, Belgravia, and Chelsea were considered havens for the world's wealthy and famous, boasting luxury properties and high levels of privacy. However, recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the security landscape, with a rise in gangs targeting luxury watches and valuables, often using motorcycles to carry out hit-and-run attacks.

This deteriorating security situation has not only affected the personal decisions of celebrities, but has also begun to cast a shadow on London’s reputation as a global destination for luxury real estate investment, potentially leading to long-term economic effects on the property market in central areas, as investors now look for safer alternatives, either in the English countryside or outside the United Kingdom.

The list of departing celebrities is growing

Tom Cruise is not the only one who has made this fateful decision; he was preceded and joined by a number of the world's most prominent stars:

Harry Styles

According to The Guardian, star Harry Styles has put his house up for sale after a traumatic experience involving a stabbing and harassment, prompting him to make the decision to permanently move out of the capital in search of a more stable environment.

Simon Cowell

In related news, music mogul Simon Cowell has left London and sold his luxury mansion for £15 million. The Mirror reported that Cowell opted for a move to the countryside in search of safety and tranquility for his family, away from the hustle and bustle and dangers of the city.

Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora

Similarly, global superstar Ed Sheeran opted to settle at his private estate in Suffolk to escape the repeated targeting of his London home, preferring the safety of rural life. Meanwhile, singer Rita Ora suffered profound psychological trauma after her London home was broken into and robbed at gunpoint, making it difficult for her to remain in the city.

Alarming figures

Official data supports the concerns of these stars. According to data from the British Metropolitan Police, reported by the Daily Mail, Knightsbridge and Belgravia – two of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods – recorded about 295 crimes in just one month, a figure that reflects the scale of the security challenge facing the authorities in protecting the residents of these vital areas.