Falcon's first swoop on Birmingham finds 92% compliance

19 May 2008: On Thursday 15 May, teams of Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigators carried out the first in a series of large scale random checks on security sites to test for compliance with the law.

Operation Falcon targeted 89 security sites in Birmingham City Centre, The Fort, Fort Dunlop, Star City and the NEC. Premises included Magistrates' Court, universities, museums, art galleries, hospitals, rail stations, offices, shops, shopping malls, cinemas and a casino.

• 89 premises or sites visited
• 36 security companies encountered
• Sectors included: security, vehicle immobilisation, CCTV, door supervision
• 141 security operatives seen
• 130 operatives SIA licensed
• Compliance level 92%

Alleged offences encountered included:

• 11 Section 3 offences (working without a licence)
• 4 Section 9 offences (failing to display a licence)
• 1 Section 16 offence (falsely claiming ACS status)

NB: The alleged Section 3 offences were not related to SIA licence processing times. None of the 11 alleged offenders had submitted licence applications.

Andy Drane, SIA Director of Operations said:

"Although our operations are usually intelligence-led, it is important to test our assessment of compliance levels by carrying out this type of extensive random check. All the indicators - statistical analysis, intelligence and independent research - suggest there is over 90% compliance with the licensing requirements, and I am pleased this random exercise has confirmed that. We also gathered valuable intelligence to inform future operations. This kind of testing will be repeated whenever we think it is needed.

Our investigations will continue and we will consider the most appropriate disposal for the alleged offences discovered during the operation."

Notes to Editors:

• The SIA always takes a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement action and will take into account the progress an individual has made towards getting or renewing a licence e.g. training completed, licence application submitted. But the SIA expects security companies and individuals to comply with the law. Further information can be found on the Enforcement pages of the SIA website.
• 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 fine and/or five years' imprisonment could be imposed)
• SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders, available 24-hours on the SIA website.