22 April 2008: On Thursday 17 April, investigators from the Security industry Authority (SIA) were joined by officers from Strathclyde Police as they targeted unlicensed security activity in Glasgow.

During the intelligence-led operation 8 security sites were visited.

• Out of 13 individuals checked; 6 were being deployed lawfully.
• 2 individuals were reported for Section 3 offences - working without a licence.
• Another five individuals are subject to further investigation.

Christy Hopkins, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"This is a great example of partnership working between the SIA and the police. We all share the same concern for maintaining public safety and SIA licensing contributes towards that; it is therefore imperative that security operatives are SIA licensed. Those deploying unlicensed security guards could face prosecution."

Chief Inspector Brian Connel, Force Crime Prevention Officer for Strathclyde Police said:

"Criminality within the security industry has been an area of public concern for some time. Joint working with the SIA provides new opportunities for us to pursue that criminal element and disrupt their activities. Future operations will continue to target those suspected of offences."

Notes to Editors:

• It is an offence throughout Great Britain, to work in designated sectors of the private security industry without an SIA licence.
• To obtain a licence applicants must:
  • meet training standards set by the SIA and attain a national qualification
  • provide proof of identity and age
  • undergo a criminal record check
  • have the right to work in the UK
  • not have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act in the last five years.
• The maximum penalty for committing an offence such as working without a licence or supplying unlicensed staff is six months' imprisonment and/or fine up to £5,000 (or trial on indictment to crown court, whereby an unlimited find and/or five years' imprisonment could be imposed.