Introduction
In July 2019, Arsenal footballer Mesut Özil and teammate Sead Kolašinac were victims of an attempted armed robbery in London. The attackers, thought to be armed with knives, targeted the players for their luxury watches worth £200,000. This high-profile incident underscores the vulnerabilities of public figures, especially when their routines and assets are well-known. By analysing this incident, we can identify critical lessons and explore how proactive measures, such as close protection and security chauffeur services, could prevent similar situations.
Timeline of Events - A Swift and Dangerous Attack
1. Pre-Attack Vulnerabilities
Detail. Özil and Kolašinac were traveling through London in a Mercedes G-Wagon, making them conspicuous targets. Their high-value watches and public profiles likely motivated the attackers.
Effect. Lack of low-profile transportation, surveillance and situational awareness made them vulnerable to being targeted while in transit.
2. The Robbery Attempt – July 25, 2019
Detail. Two attackers on a moped approached the car armed with what was later identified as a knitting needle, attempting to intimidate Özil and Kolašinac into handing over their possessions.
Kolašinac confronted the assailants, engaging in physical resistance, which allowed them both to escape uninjured.
Effect. While Kolašinac’s reaction and unwillingness to hand over items helped avert immediate harm, the incident exposed both players to significant danger.
3. Post-Incident Reaction
Detail. The incident was widely publicized after CCTV footage showed Kolašinac fighting off the attackers. Özil’s vehicle was followed to a nearby restaurant, where staff called the police for assistance.
Effect. Public attention further highlighted the risks athletes face and the necessity of professional security measures.
Deductions and Assumptions
Public Visibility as a Risk
Özil and Kolašinac were targeted due to their immediately visible high-profile status and assumption of luxury items. Their fame likely acted to corroborate wealth.
Lack of Security
The absence of a professional security team left the players situationally unaware and reliant on their own reactions, which could have escalated the danger.
Transportation Vulnerabilities
The high-profile vehicle attracted attention, and its stationary position increased risk.
Insecure doors offered limited protection, exposing the pair during this static, high-threat moment. Static periods in transit, such as stops, are vulnerable times for VIPs.
Targeting Due to Wealth
The attackers’ intent to steal high-value watches indicates pre-existing knowledge of players’ assets, likely derived from previous incidents.
Lessons from the Incident
This robbery attempt emphasizes the importance of integrating professional security services such as close protection, security chauffeurs, and proactive security strategies for high-profile individuals. Public visibility and predictable movements make athletes vulnerable to opportunistic attackers, particularly in transit.
Countermeasures and Proactive Insights
BluSkills provides advanced security services tailored to elite athletes and VIPs. Here’s how we address vulnerabilities like those highlighted in the Özil incident:
Close Protection
Deploy trained professionals to provide physical protection and situational awareness, preventing confrontations and incidents before they escalate.
Secure Chauffeur Services
Use lower profile vehicles and advanced drivers trained in evasive and defensive tactics to ensure safety during transit.
When appropriate use an escort vehicle to provide support and increase situational awareness to high-profile vehicle occupants and security.
Future Security Technologies
Integrate cutting-edge tools like real-time surveillance detection systems for comprehensive protection.
Risk Awareness and Training
Provide education on personal security practices for athletes and their families to reduce exposure to threats.
Digital and Physical Risk Assessments
Evaluate online footprints and physical routines to identify vulnerabilities and implement tailored mitigation strategies.
Conclusion
The attempted robbery of Özil and Kolašinac underscores the critical need for professional security measures to protect athletes and public figures. BluSkills offers a proactive, holistic approach to security, combining expertise in close protection, secure transportation, and advanced technology to safeguard against evolving threats.
Don’t let vulnerabilities compromise your safety. Contact BluSkills today to learn how our tailored security solutions can protect you and your loved ones, on and off the field.
