Joint Operation in Rugby Town Centre

27 July 2007: This week, investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) joined forces with officers from Rugby Police to carry out an operation targeting unlicensed public space surveillance CCTV operatives and security guards working in Rugby's town centre.

Visiting 18 premises in the town centre, Junction1 Retail Park and Elliot Field Retail Park, SIA Investigators checked for CCTV and Security Guard licences and compliance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

The majority of those checked were fully licensed. However, three individuals were found in breach of Section 3 (engaging in licensable conduct without a licence) and one operative failed to display their licence when working, a violation of Section 9 (contravening licensing conditions).

Further action may be taken under Sections 3 and 9 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Christy Hopkins, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"I want to praise the proactiveness of Rugby Police in organising this initiative, which we fully support. The aim of the joint police and SIA operation was to identify unlicensed security operatives in Rugby and to ensure that only the best and legal security service is provided to Rugby’s retail sector and their customers.

We will continue to collaborate with the police to ensure that unlicensed security activity is addressed."

Inspector Robert Gainer said:

"We were pleased to be able to work in close partnership with the SIA on this operation. They play a very important role in ensuring that employees in the private security industry are trained professionals, whose evidence can be relied upon.

We have seen the impact that the licensing of door supervisors has had in reducing town centre violence in Rugby. This gives people more confidence to go out and enjoy the benefits of the night time economy.

Now both businesses and shoppers in Rugby can also enjoy increased confidence that they are being protected from harm and loss by properly trained, vetted and licensed personnel."

Notes to Editors:

• Licensing for individuals working in designated manned guarding sectors came into effect across England and Wales on 20 March 2006, making it illegal to work without an SIA licence.