Rich New Yorkers have been buying bulletproof cars, homes, helicopters, and yachts to head to the Hamptons this summer amid rising crime rates and car thefts, according to a new report from the New York Post (graphic also provided by New York Post).

“People need to understand one simple fact: they need protection,” said Matthias Fitzthum, CEO of Bespoke Home & Yacht Security, who designs state-of-the-art security systems for the wealthy of Manhattan.

Any “ultra-high net worth” family would be crazy not to adopt these assurances, Fitzthum says: “An alarm system isn’t protection — they need hardware to protect their family and themselves.”

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Bespoke charges massive prices in exchange for sanity. “Families and executives are worried about ambushes or random acts of street violence while driving,” says Fitzthum’s website.

“Armored cars have to withstand a pipe bomb exploding from point-blank range and weather rounds of bullets shot by AK-47s, AR-15s and 9mm pistols,” per the site, which notes “security remains a precondition to freedom.”

Their services include bulletproof glass, three inches thick, that can prevent bullets from pistols and snipers alike from penetrating the vehicle, as well as an oxygen overpressure system to prevent gas attacks.

“The main goal is that the armored car doesn’t look like an armored car,” adding that the Instagram-obsessed celebrities don’t want to draw attention to their paranoia.


Shane Devine is a writer covering politics and business for VT and a regular guest on The Unusual Suspects. Follow Shane’s work here.

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