Merseyside Police report that they have declared ‘total war’ on rogue construction companies.
Merseyside Police carried out raids at 16 addresses (14 on Merseyside and two in Warrington, Cheshire) in a crackdown on rogue security firms operating at construction sites across Merseyside. The force reports that the November raids were carried out as part of the Chief Constable’s ‘Total Policing’ initiative.
Some 11 people were arrested: for a number of offences including possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, theft, unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and disqualified driving.
Police officers working with representatives from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Immigration have also visited more than 60 construction company sites to check that firms providing security at the sites are legitimate. According to the force, the visits signify the commitment of Merseyside Police to driving rogue security firms out of Merseyside. Some 25 people were reported for security industry offences and 10 people were found to be committing benefit offences and as a result had their benefits removed by the Department of Work Pensions.
What they say
Chief Supt Andy Cooke said: "Merseyside Police is committed to tackling those involved in providing rogue security services across Merseyside and today officers have arrested 11 people in a crackdown on rogue security firms and seized documentation believed to be related to unregulated security firms. In the summer Merseyside Police announced it would be taking strong action against rogue security firms involved in intimidating construction companies on Merseyside to gain contracts. We are not prepared to let such firms get a foothold in Merseyside at the expense of legitimate businesses. Those security firms which fail to comply with the law will be attacked from all angles by Merseyside Police and its partners, including Liverpool Council, Wirral Council, Sefton Council, the Inland Revenue, Immigration and the Department of Work and Pensions … Liverpool is continuing to benefit from a wealth of investment into the area in the run up to the Capital of Culture Year in 2008 and Merseyside Police cannot stand by and watch rogue security firms benefit financially from the city’s regeneration."
SIA say
Heading the Security Industry Authority team of investigators in the Northern Region, Lucia Howland, said: "We are working together with Merseyside Police and partners in 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 to 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 employ SIA licensed security guards. Those using unlicensed guards could face prosecution, damage their business reputation and their insurance cover may be jeopardised.”
To report
Anyone with information about rogue security companies who are operating at construction sites on Merseyside can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The SIA recommends the confidential crime reporting line for any misuse of SIA licences or non-compliance. You can view video of police on the raids via the force website:
