From Sunday Mirror

WE'LL GET YOUR KIDS

Aug 8 2004


CRISIS FOR THE BECKHAMS - Armed guards for Brooklyn
and Romeo in new kidnap threat

By Ben Todd Showbusiness Editor And Gerard Couzens In
Madrid


THE Beckhams are under 24-hour armed protection -
after fears that their children will become victims of
an underworld kidnap plot.

Security around the family has been increased as the
Beckhams build a ring of steel to protect their sons
Brooklyn, five, and 23-month-old Romeo, from being
snatched.

The Beckhams have been made aware of at least two
instances in Madrid of children of the wealthy being
kidnapped by organised crime gangs.

And the family have been advised that the threat to
them is credible.

One close friend last night revealed: "Victoria and
David are determined to remain strong but they know
they have to be more vigilant than ever.

"They will do whatever they have to - to protect
themselves and their family."

All guards outside the superstar couple's rented
Spanish home are now armed as heightened security
measures are put into practice.

There are also now THREE different security teams
protecting the family.

They were all briefed on the threat to Brooklyn and
Romeo.

A source added: "These are threats which the Beckham
security staff are taking very, very seriously.

"These gangs aren't just looking to scare the family
and gain some kind of notoriety. They are absolutely
serious in their evil business. These are organised,
professional gangs. As a result all precautions must
be taken.

"That's why everyone around the Beckhams is so
concerned."

The heightened state of vigilance for one of the
world's most famous couples was on display after their
arrival in Madrid last week.

Uniformed security guards patrolled the grounds of the
Beckhams' rented house, where they are due to stay for
a month before moving into a new family home.

Handguns are clearly visible in a holster attached to
each security guard's belt.

Last week, a security guard unclipped the holster and
prepared to draw the gun as he approached an
unfamiliar car which had been parked near the entrance
to the property for some time.

As well as two Spanish bodyguards - former Spanish
paratroopers - four English bodyguards continue to
shadow the couple.

And the heavies are paying particular attention to
Brooklyn and Romeo, showing the seriousness of the
threat to the children.

While David sometimes drives to training with his club
Real Madrid alone, guards are always at Victoria's
side when she takes Romeo and Brooklyn out.

And even when the two children are at home, a
bodyguard is never far from the family's side. On
Wednesday, TWO bodyguards and the family's nanny
accompanied Romeo and Brooklyn on a trip to the
cinema.

The friend revealed: "There is no doubt that Romeo and
Brooklyn's safety is the family's No1 concern."

In addition to the bodyguards and the private security
men who guard the entrance to the house, a third
organisation - an estate security firm - patrols the
house and its grounds 24 hours a day.

The guards are in marked cars and drive past
regularly.

At the entrance to the grounds a guard stands inside
the driveway where the Beckhams park their array of
cars. The security men make themselves visible when a
car enters the cul-de-sac of the exclusive estate on
the borders of the city.

Whenever Victoria, 30, or David, 29, leave or return
to the property, security guards open the gates and
come out into the street.

The Beckhams also appear to have installed a ring of
steel INSIDE the grounds of the house. An ivy-covered
fence extends around their rented property.

Now, a 6ft-high steel fence appears to have been added
inside that. As the Sunday Mirror revealed, Victoria,
Brooklyn and Romeo finally moved to Madrid last week,
almost 400 days after David signed for the Spanish
side.

In June, David told the Sunday Mirror: "I want my
children to enjoy their lives but sometimes during
this last year it has been intolerable.

"My life is full of three or four cars following me
all the time, even when I am taking my two children to
play in the park. In Manchester, I could go to the
Trafford Centre and walk around with my family with
very few problems. That isn't possible in Madrid."

Victoria's move came just weeks after an intruder was
found in the grounds of the family's English home,
"Beckingham Palace", in Sawbridgeworth, Herts.

In November 2002 an alleged bid to kidnap Victoria and
her sons was foiled.

=====
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