Investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) joined officers from Strathclyde Police and investigators from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to clamp down on illegal and unlicensed security activity in the West Dunbartonshire area. Checks were carried out to ensure that companies providing security at construction sites across the region were working legally and only deploying SIA licensed security operatives.
During the intelligence-led operation a total of six security sites were visited. 13 individuals were checked, and six security officers were found to have been deployed lawfully. One officer was arrested pending further enquires. Six unlicensed operatives, aged between 22 and 61, were reported for working without an SIA licence (a Section 3 offence). Three people were reported for possible DWP offences, with investigations set to continue.
Speaking about the operation, Christy Hopkins – an SIA head of investigation – commented: “It’s important that the Scottish construction industry takes more significant steps to ensure that only SIA licensed operatives protect their security sites. Failure to do so could lead to the prosecution of both the employee and their employer. We will continue to work with our partners at Strathclyde Police and the DWP to help drive out criminality and drive up standards in security provision.”
Adding his views on the matter, superintendent William Thornton from Strathclyde Police said: “I was encouraged by the success of this joint venture, which resulted in the detection of offences across a number of security sites in Dunbarton and Clydebank. Due to the impact of this type of partnership operation, we hope to repeat this type of activity in the near future.”
‘Operation Lollipop’ continues to next phase
On Friday 13 June, investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) continued their checks targeting security provision at popular family spots along Lincolnshire’s East Coast. They were joined by officers from Lincolnshire Police and East Lindsey District Council.
During Operation Lollipop, 19 licensed premises were visited in Skegness, Mablethorpe, Louth and Ingoldmells. 40 door supervisors were checked and 35 found to be SIA licensed. Four doormen were reported by the police for summons and one doorman was issued with an SIA warning. Four individuals were issued with SIA warnings for not displaying their licence.
Jaqueline Parker, an SIA head of investigation – said: “On our last visit to the East Coast, we were pleased to find licensees adopting a responsible attitude to licensing. In these popular holiday spots, the public should expect to see, and deserve to be protected by, SIA licensed door staff. Multi-agency operations such as these carry a strong message that we all expect compliance with the law for the continued safety of the public.”
Inspector Philip Sharpe of the Lincolnshire Police added: “Lincolnshire Police has been working closely with the licensing trade in the East Division and, in particular, the door supervisors. This operation identified a small number of individuals who were breaching the legislation but demonstrated to all the licensed door supervisors working legally that we will not tolerate people working without licences.”
East Lindsey District Council’s senior licensing enforcement officer Michael Goldby explained: “The high visibility patrols provide an added reassurance to those enjoying a night out that they are in safe hands. The Council and its partners work closely with licensees and door staff across the district to ensure they have the appropriate training and it’s important to know that they carry out their jobs to a high standard.”
The first Operation Lollipop took place on 20 and 21 May.
Penalties for non-compliance
The maximum penalty for committing an offence such as working without a licence or supplying unlicensed staff is six months’ imprisonment and/or fine up to GB pound 5,000 (or trial on indictment to Crown Court, whereby an unlimited fine and/or five years’ imprisonment could be imposed). SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders, available 24-hours-per-day on the SIA web site.
The SIA is keen to strees that it always takes a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement action, and will take into account the progress an individual has made towards obtaining or renewing a licence (for example if training is being completed, or a licence application has been submitted). However, the Regulator fully expects security companies and individuals to comply with the law.
Further information can be found on the Enforcement page of the SIA’s web site at www.the-sia.org.uk
