Tom Cruise has vacated his £35 million Knightsbridge apartment following a smash-and-grab robbery at a nearby luxury watch boutique, according to people familiar with the matter, adding to heightened concerns over security around high-end retail districts in central London.The Hollywood actor, who had been using the property as a base during extended periods of work in the UK, packed up and left the residence after the robbery, which targeted a Rolex outlet close to the apartment. No injuries were reported, and police inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
The move underscores how a brazen jewellery raid has prompted a rethink of personal security around one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, long favoured by international celebrities and ultra-high-net-worth residents for its proximity to luxury hotels, boutiques and private members’ clubs.
People briefed on the situation said the decision to leave was taken swiftly after the incident, with security assessments concluding that the apartment’s location, despite its prestige, posed practical challenges for managing risk. Cruise’s representatives declined to comment, while the building’s management did not respond to requests for clarification.
The robbery itself followed a pattern seen in a series of high-value thefts from luxury watch retailers, in which offenders use speed and force to seize merchandise before escaping within minutes. Law enforcement officials have said such crimes often involve organised groups that exploit crowded urban settings and the visibility of premium brands to maximise haul and publicity.
Knightsbridge, home to flagship stores and some of the capital’s most expensive real estate, has increasingly been forced to balance openness with security. Retailers have invested in reinforced displays, private guards and coordination with police, while residents have upgraded access controls and surveillance. Industry analysts say the area’s appeal to wealthy shoppers also makes it a magnet for criminal attention.
Cruise, one of the world’s highest-profile film stars, has maintained a strong professional presence in the UK over several years, drawn by studio facilities, tax incentives and long-running production schedules. His London base allowed quick access to sets, post-production houses and transport links, and his presence in the city was well known among industry circles.
The apartment in question, valued at around £35 million, is understood to be in a development marketed for its privacy and concierge services. Even so, security experts note that residential buildings adjacent to major retail corridors can face unique vulnerabilities, particularly during peak shopping periods.
Police have not indicated whether the robbery was connected in any way to the actor’s presence in the area. Officers familiar with the investigation stressed that such crimes typically target stores rather than individuals, and that there is no evidence suggesting a specific link to nearby residents. The focus, they said, remains on identifying suspects and recovering stolen goods.
Luxury watch retailers across London have faced mounting pressure to adapt. Some have reduced in-store inventory, shifted high-value pieces to appointment-only viewings, or relied more heavily on off-site vaults. Insurance costs have risen, and staff training now emphasises personal safety over intervention during raids.
Property advisers say high-profile incidents can have short-term effects on buyer and tenant sentiment, particularly among internationally mobile clients. While Knightsbridge remains one of London’s most sought-after addresses, agents acknowledge that perceptions of safety play a growing role alongside price, amenities and prestige.
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