Police and security industry figures were providing security advice to North-West based businesses last week at the annual Manchester Security conference and exhibition. Organised by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) with Greater Manchester Police and the Manchester City Centre Crime Prevention Panel, the event each year aims to inform businesses based in the North West about police initiatives as well as the various security products and services available to help them tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Paul King, Chairman of the Manchester City Centre Prevention Panel opened the event alongside Greater Manchester Police ACC Garry Shewan QPM. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Protecting the Vulnerable’, with a panel of expert speakers each sharing their own expertise on security issues faced by city-centre businesses as well as the high-profile issues of child sexual exploitation and counter terrorism.
Pictured is one of the exhibitors, the event sponsor, SelectDNA, showing their forensic marking product.
Detective Inspector Deborah Oakes from Greater Manchester Police’s Project Phoenix discussed how everyone, regardless of industry, has a role to play in tackling child sexual exploitation, while Damian Dallimore, Manager of Project Phoenix, discussed the scale of the problem police forces face. David Wells from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit gave a talk on ‘Countering Terrorism – How We Protect the Vulnerable’.
This year’s conference and exhibition drew more than 150 delegates, including representatives of city centre retailers, banks and local public sector organisations. On hand too were exhibitors, who provided delegates with hands-on experience of solutions ranging from electronic security measures to people-based guarding services.
Introducing the event, BSIA Chief Executive James Kelly said: “Today’s seminar explores the ways in which we, as security professionals, business leaders and representatives of public bodies, can work together to provide better protection for the vulnerable people within our society.”
A presentation by SelectaDNA’s Victoria Price explored how property marking solutions are for use on any valuable asset such as electrical goods, vehicles and even crops.
After the event, BSIA Chief Executive, James Kelly, said: “I would like to thank the event’s sponsor, SelectaDNA, as well as event partners, Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council and the Manchester City Centre Crime Prevention Panel. In addition, thank you to all of the companies who took part in the exhibition for their support. The exhibition showcased the wide range of products and services available to help protect businesses.”
You can view video excerpts from the day’s presentations at the BSIA’s YouTube channel. Visit www.bsia.co.uk/events.
