Rogue security firms who bully and intimidate their way to taking over lucrative contracts are being driven out of Liverpool, say Merseyside Police.
Two years after ‘declaring war’ on these rogue firms with the launch of Operation Seahog, senior officers say they are defeating the criminals.
Operation Seahog was launched by police and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in the summer of 2006 after an escalation in problems with rogue companies taking business away from legitimate firms, especially those protecting construction sites across the city.
And since the scheme was launched, Merseyside Police officers working for Operation Seahog have visited more than 970 construction sites, executed 64 warrants and investigated 52 private security companies. Some 184 individuals were dealt with in court for working without an SIA licence, and a further eight security firms were dealt with for employing security guards without an SIA licence.
They have also worked alongside a range of agencies including local authorities, Inland Revenue, Immigration and the Department of Work and Pensions to attack suspect firms from all angles.
What they say
Supt Paul Richardson said: "Operation Seahog was set up with the express intention of cracking down on those criminal gangs who were running the city’s security at the expense of legitimate firms.
"Two years later we can see that is has been an unqualified success and we are now in the position where many more properly licensed and approved contractors are the ones providing security services. There is still a long way to go, however, and Operation Seahog will ensure that we get there."
Lucia Howland, SIA Head of Investigations for the Northern Region, added: "Operation Seahog has not only helped to stop criminal gangs exploiting the opportunities afforded by a burgeoning Capital of Culture, it has also sent a clear message to all those involved in the security industry that they must increase their standards."
