Investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) joined officers from Strathclyde Police and investigators from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It was the authorities say to target rogue security firms and unlicensed security activity.
Checks were carried out on companies providing security at construction sites across West Dunbartonshire. During what the authorities term the intelligence-led operation:
Six security sites were visited;
13 individuals were checked;
six security guards were being deployed lawfully;
one security guard 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) and;
three people were reported for possible DWP offences, with investigations continuing.
Christy Hopkins, an SIA Head of Investigation said: "It is 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 DWP to help drive out criminality and drive up standards in security provision."
Supt 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 activity."
