**Jenson Button and Wife Declare Reluctance to Return to UK Following London Theft Ordeal**
Former Formula One world champion Jenson Button and his wife, fashion model Brittny Ward, have revealed their deep reluctance to return to the United Kingdom after falling victim to a robbery that has left them shaken and disillusioned. The couple, who wed in 2022, recently issued an emotional statement regarding the incident, explaining its lasting impact on their sense of security and future plans.
The shocking event occurred in February outside London’s bustling St Pancras International Station. Button, who captured the F1 world title in 2009, and Ward had just arrived back in the capital from a romantic trip to Paris, only to find themselves targeted by thieves. While Button was busy assisting their driver, a criminal took advantage of a distracted moment, making off with Ward’s designer Goyard suitcase.
The contents of the stolen luggage were valued at a staggering £250,000. Inside were two highly coveted Hermès Kelly bags estimated at £70,000, several pieces of sentimental jewellery linked to the couple’s wedding and the birth of their children, as well as other luxury fashion items. Ward, 34, later expressed her disbelief and distress at the turn of events, admitting that London felt “unsecure” and chaotic during their visit.
“Everything felt so unsafe — just so many people, so chaotic,” Ward told reporters, admitting that she was taken aback by the boldness of the theft and by how quickly events unfolded. She confessed that the incident not only left her rattled but also made her feel vulnerable in a city that once felt familiar and safe.
Following swift investigations, British Transport Police released CCTV footage to teams in the area, leading to the identification and arrest of Mourad Aid, 41, who was seen absconding with the impressive haul. Aid has since pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and currently awaits sentencing. However, despite the arrest, the likelihood of the couple recovering their prized possessions appears slim.
Ward disclosed that she discovered her stolen bags listed online, complete with suspicious photographs, further compounding her sense of loss. “I saw online the shady-looking photos of these guys holding my bags on their lap. I knew I was probably never getting them back… I wasn’t going to send anyone to meet with these people,” she recounted.
Button, too, has been targeted previously by opportunistic thieves, having had his own bag stolen from a car park in London months before this latest incident. The repeated thefts have left the couple fearful and frustrated. Ward admitted that she briefly blamed Button for the loss but soon realised the true blame lay with the criminals who had been watching them.
Reflecting on her early experiences in London, Ward recalled a time when the city felt welcoming and vibrant. “When we first started dating, we would go to London, and it was such a nice place to be. Now it just feels very dark and scary,” she lamented. The shift in atmosphere, she suggests, has robbed her and Button of any desire to return, save for family or work obligations.
The couple’s unease is compounded by the reality that much of Button’s family, including their children’s grandmother and aunts, remain in the UK. Despite these connections, they have indicated they will only visit Britain when absolutely necessary, given how unsafe it now feels to them.
Their candid remarks serve as a poignant commentary on growing concerns about public safety in major UK cities, highlighting the emotional toll such experiences can have on victims — particularly those with young families and cherished memories linked to a place they once called home. As the legal proceedings continue, the couple’s future relationship with the UK remains uncertain.