Rogue Security Firms Feel Long Arm Of The Law

Merseyside Police is cracking down on rogue security firms and has declared total war on those companies which are intimidating and pressurising legitimate security firms in a bid to take over lucrative contracts throughout the city.

Over the last 18 months problems with rogue companies vying for business have escalated and the focus of their attention has turned to the security firms who supply a service to construction companies currently working within Liverpool.

Now Merseyside Police has put together a comprehensive plan to drive out those criminals who are taking business away from legitimate and deserving companies.

And the Force will not be working alone. Officers will be working alongside representatives of Liverpool City Council, Wirral Council, Sefton Council, the Health and Safety Executive, Department of Trade and Industry, Inland Revenue, Immigration, Merseyside Pathfinder (New Heartlands) and construction companies themselves to weaken the influence of rogue companies.

"Attacked from all angles"

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is fully backing the scheme and has declared complete support in working with officers to ensuring that security guards who are employed on Merseyside have SIA accreditation.

Assistant Chief Constable Pat Gallan, explained: "Merseyside Police will not stand back and let rogue security firms get a foothold in Merseyside at the expense of legitimate businesses on Merseyside. Warning letters have already been sent out to security companies warning them that all security firms on Merseyside will need to be SIA approved contractors.

"They have been given a short period to get their house in order and get their staff licensed under SIA regulations. Those security firms which fail to comply will be attacked from all angles by Merseyside Police and its partners, including the Inland Revenue, Immigration and the Department of Work and Pensions.

"Officers from the specialist Matrix team and area officers will be carrying out high visibility disruption policing around security sites and Merseyside Police will respond appropriately to any acts of intimidation.

"At this moment in time Liverpool is continuing to benefit from wealth of investment into the area and Merseyside Police cannot stand by and watch rogue security firms benefit financially from the city's regeneration. Merseyside Police is not prepared to watch those involved in organised crime exploit the opportunities which should be reserved for genuine businesses which have something to contribute to the regeneration of the region."

Lucia Howland, SIA Head of Investigation for the Northern Region, said: "I welcome the chance to work with our partners in Merseyside Police, and the construction industry, to ensure that only trained, qualified and fit and proper people are employed to provide contracted security services at the city’s construction sites. We all have an interest in helping protect the public by raising standards in the private security industry and driving out criminality.

"Operation Seahog sends a clear message to Merseyside’s security companies that they should only deploy SIA licensed security guards. Those deploying unlicensed guards could face prosecution, damage their business reputation and their insurance cover may be jeopardised.”