'I'd never wear a watch in London': Footballer Jonjo Shelvey blames crime in the capital for shock move to UAE

"If I'm honest, I don't want my children growing up in England any more. We're very lucky that we lived in a nice part of the UK but where I'm from, originally, you can't have nice things in my opinion. I'd never wear a watch in London any more. You can't have your phone out in London, in my view. Fears over theft of expensive items in London's streets have surged in recent years, while there have beena number of celebrity victims of theft."

"This trend has accelerated since the coronavirus pandemic, as thieves have shifted from targeting businesses to individuals. Last December, a thug broke into the Primrose Hill mansion of socialite influencer Shafira Huang, making off with 10million of diamond jewellery, including rare pieces from De Beers, Chopard and Van Cleef & Arpels. Shelvey, who started his professional career at Charlton Athletic, wishes the UK had remained as it was 10 to 15 years ago'"

Jonjo Shelvey moved to Dubai because of concerns about rising theft and his children's safety. Originally from Romford, he played for Charlton Athletic, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and had short spells with Burnley, Caykur Rizespor and Eyupspor. Shelvey said people in parts of London cannot wear watches or use phones openly because of theft risk. Theft of expensive items on London's streets has surged since the coronavirus pandemic, with thieves shifting from targeting businesses to individuals. A Primrose Hill burglary last December stole 10million of diamond jewellery. Westminster recorded 1,596 jewellery‑theft incidents in 2023/24, nearly double Kensington and Chelsea. Shelvey insisted the move was driven by necessity rather than money.

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