As gold prices soar past the $3,000 mark, London’s wealthy are turning to a high-security vault on Park Lane to protect their treasures. Housed in a gothic-style former Barclays Bank branch, the facility is owned by IBV International Vaults and offers what it claims are the world’s safest private vaults.

Amid rising concerns over theft, especially of luxury watches and jewelry, clients can now store their valuables securely while enjoying premium concierge services. These include a Rolls-Royce chauffeur service to inspect their deposit boxes. Sean Hoey, IBV’s managing director, highlights that the vault’s private status offers advantages over state institutions like Fort Knox or the Bank of England, making it a sought-after haven for London’s elite.