Tom Cruise has reportedly left London, abandoning his £35 million penthouse apartment in Knightsbridge following a series of high-profile crimes in the area, including an armed raid on a nearby Rolex store. The 63-year-old actor, known as an “Anglophile,” had resided in the luxury apartment overlooking Hyde Park for an undisclosed period before his departure in January 2026.
The decision to leave appears to stem from growing concerns about safety and security in the Knightsbridge area. A brazen robbery at a Bucherer store located below his residence proved to be a turning point, according to sources. The incident, which occurred on , involved a gang of six armed robbers who made off with a significant quantity of Rolex watches. Witnesses described the robbers arriving on motorbikes and using sledgehammers and machetes during the attack.
“The over-aggressive attack on the store below cemented the lack of security surrounding the multi-million-pound flats where Cruise lives,” a source close to the actor told the Daily Mail. The source further stated that Cruise, who frequently enjoyed morning runs in Hyde Park, felt that the area had “declined” in safety over the past year or two. He reportedly felt increasingly vulnerable despite the prestigious location.
The robbery itself involved masked thieves who smashed their way into the Bucherer boutique. The group then fled the scene on four mopeds, leaving the motorcycle used to ram the building behind. No injuries were reported, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Cruise’s departure marks a notable shift for the actor, who has long been associated with London and its cultural scene. He was often seen taking walks and runs in the area surrounding his Knightsbridge home. However, the recent increase in violent crime appears to have outweighed the appeal of remaining in the city.
The incident has raised broader questions about security in London’s most affluent neighborhoods. The area, known for its high-end shops and residences, has experienced a series of similar robberies in recent months. The Bucherer store raid is just the latest in a string of incidents that have prompted concerns about a decline in safety.
While the actor has not publicly commented on his departure, reports indicate that he has now returned to the United States. The move is not believed to have been taken lightly, given Cruise’s affection for the UK.
The incident also comes amid reports of broader security concerns in London. One report noted that a similar incident involving a jewellery store robbery in Taiwan was falsely attributed to events in London, highlighting the potential for misinformation surrounding these events. However, this claim was quickly debunked.
The value of Cruise’s former residence is estimated at £35 million, placing it among London’s most expensive properties. The One Hyde Park building, where the penthouse is located, is known for its luxury amenities and high-profile residents. The cost of similar properties in Hong Kong was also noted in recent reports, suggesting that the same amount of money could secure a significantly larger living space in the Asian city.
The actor’s decision to leave underscores the growing anxieties surrounding crime in London, even in its most exclusive areas. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even high-profile individuals are not immune to the risks of urban crime and that perceptions of safety can significantly influence residential choices.
