More than 200 security guards, close protection operatives and door supervisors were inspected during a wide-scale national operation on Thursday, February 23, covering six towns and cities in England and Scotland. Operation Baltic was conducted by Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigators and saw teams deployed to check security operatives in Dundee, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Birmingham, West Bromwich and Brighton.
A total of 56 sites were visited, including shopping centres, supermarkets, construction sites, libraries, ports, leisure parks, theatres, hospitals, museums, ports, a casino, supermarkets, banks and pubs. The aim of the operation was to test compliance amongst those working in the private security industry.
In total, 206 people were checked, of which 190 operatives were carrying out licensable activities. Of those, 187 individuals were working legally by holding a valid SIA licence. Two unlicensed operatives were working in Brighton and Birmingham. Investigators also issued warnings to 12 operatives in breach of licence conditions. The SIA said afterwards that its investigators are conducting further enquiries and will be contacting the two security companies that deployed them.
Dave Humphries, SIA Director of Compliance, Intelligence and Communication said: “We carry out such operations because they allow us to test the assumptions on which our compliance strategy is based and act as a deterrent to those considering working illegally. Trained, qualified and SIA-licensed security operatives help to maintain public safety. It is therefore important that we carry out operations like this to target those who maybe flouting the law and support those who are compliant.
“Anyone found to be working without an SIA licence or breaking licence conditions is at risk of prosecution. Our investigations will continue and we will consider the most appropriate action for the offences found during Operation Baltic.”
Below is a breakdown of results:
In Birmingham, 43 operatives were inspected. 42 operatives held a valid SIA licence. One unlicensed security guard was found. One person was issued with a warning for failing to display their licence. Two operatives were issued with warnings for failing to notify the SIA of a change of their address.
In Brighton, 65 operatives were inspected. 64 operatives held a valid SIA licence. An unlicensed bar manager of an in house door staff team was found. Four people were issued with warnings for failing to notify the SIA of a change of their address.
In West Bromwich, six operatives were inspected. All individuals held a valid licence. One person was issued with a warning for failing to notify the SIA of a change of their address.
In Dundee, 31 operatives were inspected. All individuals held a valid licence. Two operatives were issued with warnings for failing to notify the SIA of a change of their address.
In Grimsby, 21 operatives were inspected. All individuals held a valid licence. Two people were issued with a warning for failing to display their licence.
In Scunthorpe, 24 operatives were inspected. All individuals held a valid licence.
