They have been recruited as security inspectors for a six-month pilot scheme that the Plymouth-based security firm is operating in partnership with the water company, which has more than 2,000 sites across Devon and Cornwall.
The pilot study follows Government demands for even more stringent security around all water sites. South West Water’s water treatment works, as well as its sewage pumping stations and sewage treatment works, already meet the strictest of security levels, but now Defra has called for tougher criteria.
During the pilot scheme, a set number of sites in Devon will be risk-assessed for possible interference with the water supply as well as other crimes such as theft, vandalism and arson. If the pilot study proves successful, it may well be extended to cover all the company’s water assets across both Devon and Cornwall.
First class skills set
Commenting on the initiative, Mark Tapper – business development manager for Devon and Cornwall at Securi-Guard – said: “Quite rightly, South West Water takes the security of its water assets very seriously indeed. All of the inspectors we’ve recruited will bring a first class skills set and work ethic to this very vital study.”
Scott Boyd – managing director of Securi-Guard, the largest independent security provider in the region – added that the pilot scheme marked an exciting period of collaboration with South West Water.
“We are looking forward to bringing our depth of knowledge and experience in the security industry to assist South West Water with the extensive risk assessment of their sites across the county,” explained Boyd.
As the client, Buster Brown – corporate security manager for South West Water – explained: “The public can rest assured that we have always had a robust security process in place for all our water assets, but the Government is, quite rightly, demanding even greater safety criteria given the current climate. We will now be working alongside Securi-Guard to deliver on that wish.”
The pilot study is now underway, and the inspectors are using vehicles carrying South West Water and Securi-Guard branding to reflect the partnership nature of the scheme.
All you need to know about… Securi-Guard
Originally formed in 1966 and under the same directorship since April 1982, Securi-Guard is based at Darklake View, Estover in Plymouth and employs around 250 people.
The company offers guarding services throughout Devon and Cornwall, installs electronic security systems across the UK and monitors 25,000 alarms from its headquarters on a 24-hour, 365-day basis. Securi-Guard also monitors CCTV and vehicle tracking both in the UK and across Europe.
The company is a Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor and quality assured to British Standard EN ISO 9001/2000.
