Securicor reported pre-tax losses of œ22m for the six months to March 31 against profits of œ13.9 million previously, as effects of September 11 continue to be felt.
The effects of September 11 continue. Securicor reported pre-tax losses of œ22m for the six months to March 31 against profits of œ13.9 million previously, though the firm posted one-off costs of œ43.4 million, including œ37.1m to do with Argenbright, its aviation passenger security business. In the US, President Bush has effectively nationalised airport screening services after the 11-9 terrorist attacks. Chairman Sir Neil Macfarlane stated: ?We continue to believe that Argenbright .. should have no liability arising out of the terrorist incidents of last September.? The group also took a œ5.3m loss after the closure of SafeDoor, its online shopping service. In the UK, Securicor Cash Services opened in Manchester the first of several supercentres; SCS? largest retail customer, Tesco, on a two-year contract. Securicor Custodial Services meanwhile were criticised for their prison escort service by a judge after a woman – who made headlines in May for being jailed over her truant children – arrived late at Oxford Crown Court for her appeal against sentence. Securicor put the delay down to delays in receiving the prisoner. Generally, private security contractors? prison escort services have been criticised by the court system – and notably by Lord Justice Judge, the senior presiding judge for England and Wales, on Radio 4?s Today programme on June 13 – for delays in bringing prisoners to court. The security firms blame Prison Service delays in presenting prisoners for transit to court, and traffic.
