By Self Defense Products LLC – June 20, 2025
In a shocking turn of events at a London coffee shop, actress Genevieve Chenneour, known for her role in Netflix’s Bridgerton, successfully defended herself from a violent thief using quick instincts and her own smartphone. The full incident was originally reported by the New York Post.
The incident occurred at Joe & the Juice in Kensington, where Chenneour was seated with her dog when 18-year-old Zacariah Boulares approached from behind and snatched her phone. What followed was a moment of real-life survival as Chenneour blocked his exit, reclaimed her device, and struck him with it while he was restrained by another customer.
The confrontation, which lasted several minutes, involved threats of being stabbed and resulted in the actress suffering a concussion. Chenneour later said, “That was the moment something took over me. The physical fight became life or death in my mind.”
Chenneour, a former Team GB artistic swimmer and trained in boxing, acted on instinct. Surveillance footage and eyewitnesses confirm she physically blocked the suspect, retrieved her phone after he dropped it, and then used it as a blunt-force object to subdue the situation.
Despite her injury, she expressed gratitude to the staff at the coffee shop and to the bystander who helped intervene. Her story sparked conversations worldwide about personal safety, situational awareness, and the importance of being prepared.
Real-Life Tools That Can Help in Similar Situations
While most people don’t expect to be involved in a robbery, stories like Chenneour’s prove how fast things can turn. Here are a few products that everyday people can carry to boost their readiness without drawing attention:
- 12-Inch Telescopic Steel Baton
- 2n1 Personal Burglar Alarm
- 3in1 130dB Personal Alarm with Light
- Cell Phone Stun Gun
- Brutus Self Defense Key Chain
- Tactical Black Twist Pen with Extra Refill
Everyday safety starts with having the right mindset and tools within reach. You don’t have to be a celebrity to take your safety seriously.
For more tools and safety stories, visit the Best Defense Tools blog where we cover real incidents and the gear that could make all the difference.
If you had to fight back, would you be ready?
Check out our most recommended everyday carry tools, alarms, pepper sprays, and disguised safety gear at SelfDefenseProductsLLC.com.