Security Guards Called to Appear in Court

10 January 2007: Yesterday, at Merseyside Magistrates' Court, 21 men were summoned to appear to answer charges under Section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (engaging in licensable conduct without an SIA licence). The offences relate to Operation Seahog - the Merseyside Police (with support from the Security Industry Authority) multi-agency initiative targeting rogue security companies, unlicensed security activity and links to serious and organised crime that could damage the reputation of the construction industry.

In court yesterday, 7 defendants pleaded guilty to offences and were fined or received a conditional discharge, all were ordered to pay costs. 14 cases were adjourned to a later date. Further prosecutions may follow.

Lucia Howland, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"These first results demonstrate that Operation Seahog is beginning to have an effect on the unlicensed sectors of the private security industry in Merseyside. This is just the start of a long-term initiative to ensure that the rogue element is removed from Merseyside's security industry and the SIA will continue to work closely with our partners in the police to ensure compliance with the law.

With the huge opportunities for businesses in Merseyside leading up to Liverpool City of Culture in 2008, we, and the police, want to ensure that only legitimate and compliant security companies benefit from the lucrative security contracts."

Notes for Editors:

• Please also see our previous SIA news release: SIA & Police Tackle Rogue Security Companies.
• It is illegal to work as a contracted security guard without a licence issued by the SIA. It is also an offence for security company managers and directors to operate without a licence or to provide unlicensed operatives.