08 - 04 - 05

Specialist insurer Hiscox and leading private security consultants Janusian, have today announced a collaborative service designed to help some of the country’s wealthiest individuals protect themselves and their property even more effectively.

The new service has been developed in response to a number of high profile art and valuables thefts from private residences in the UK, and is intended to assist policyholders with putting in place security measures that are designed to deter and defeat increasingly daring, sophisticated and ruthless thieves. The service will be offered for a fee to Hiscox clients wishing to take advantage of having their UK properties and family safety reviewed.

The service provided by Janusian will include a detailed inspection of the property and its surroundings, including the staff activity within it, in order to identify physical or procedural vulnerabilities. A thorough analysis of potential threats and vulnerabilities facing the individual or family is then compiled. Recommendations are also made to limit the amount of information about the customer, or their property, that is made public.

Assistance will then be given to ensure that any recommendations are implemented effectively, including identifying reputable and reliable suppliers best suited to the clients’ needs. A typical challenge is that policyholders’ houses are often in fairly remote locations, with long police response times and out of earshot of anyone who may hear an alarm. Traditional alarm and CCTV systems can have a limited effect in these circumstances. Janusian will be assisting clients with installing security systems that allow them to protect themselves and their valuable items.

If required, Janusian will also offer on-site residential security teams, using its ex-UK military expert personnel. These teams provide low profile, professionally managed security, which eschews the archetypal “bodyguard” or “bouncer” image, but provides an effective deterrent and response to even the most aggressive house intruder.

Charles Dupplin, Head of the Art and Private Client Division at Hiscox, commented: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to help our clients with risk management and Janusian is a high quality security service which will ensure that wealthier homes are protected discreetly but effectively. Clients can request a Janusian survey either by contacting their broker or Hiscox directly.”

Dr David Claridge, Managing Director, Janusian, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Hiscox to offer its clients the security they require, and to be able to offer such a uniquely accessible service.

“There has been a spate of high profile burglaries of irreplaceable art and valuables from wealthier homes over the last few years. Some of these may have been preventable had appropriate security been in place. Criminals are rapidly becoming more sophisticated in their approach, but often homeowners are either unaware of the measures they can take, or are insufficiently familiar with the threat to consider security as a priority. Our aim is to fill that gap, and to assist Hiscox’s clients to take sensible steps with the minimum of fuss. If Janusian can help Hiscox policyholders to protect themselves and their belongings we will be achieving everything we set out to do with this project.”