SIA and Police crack down on illegal security staff in north
Wales
16/08/2012
A joint Security Industry Authority and North
Wales Police operation targeted door supervisors, security guards
and CCTV operatives across 14 sites in North Wales.
The operation acted on intelligence received
by the SIA that suggested that security companies were deploying
unlicensed staff in pubs, clubs and holiday parks in the area.
Visits were carried out in two stages.
During the first operation investigators
targeted operatives working at sites across Barmouth, Porthmadog,
Abergele, Rhyl, Prestatyn and Wrexham.
The second operation saw SIA investigators and
the police target operatives working in Anglesey.
In total 39 individuals were inspected, with
24 operatives found to be holding a valid SIA licence. However a
number of offences were found.
12 individuals were unlicensed; this included
directors of security companies, bar managers and security
staff.
A company director who supplied security
guards to holiday parks in Prestatyn, was issued with a warning for
supplying an unlicensed guard. He was also warned for using signage
to imply that the company was part of the SIA’s Approved Contractor
Scheme, which it is not.
Two individuals were warned for breaking SIA
licence conditions by failing to notify the SIA of their change of
address.
All the offences found are subject to further
enquiries and prosecutions may follow.
SIA Head of Investigation Paul Cartlidge said:
“This intelligence-led operation has highlighted compliance issues
with individuals and companies in areas of North Wales. The results
demonstrate that there are individuals who show a disregard for the
safety of the public by employing unlicensed operatives or working
without a valid SIA licence.
“It is however encouraging to see that the
intelligence received by the SIA has resulted in targeted action
and further enquiries into these offences are taking place.
“The SIA will be continuing partnership
working with North Wales Police as part of the ongoing campaign to
maintain and improve compliance levels in the area.”
North Wales Police Sergeant Andy McGregor,
based in Anglesey, said: “Working in partnership with the SIA,
officers on Anglesey are taking a pro active approach in tackling
and addressing issues involving unlicensed door supervisors.
Ensuring that door supervisors are properly trained and managed
goes a great way towards maintaining their professionalism and
status as well as reducing the incidents of anti-social behaviour
and helping those who enjoy socialising at night have a safer
time.”