13 August 2008: On Tuesday 12th August, investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and officers from Strathclyde Police and Department for Work and Pensions, made surprise compliance visits to 15 construction sites in the Greenock area.

Concerns about the deployment of unlicensed security staff, benefit fraud and organised crime led Strathclyde police to instigate the operation. Of the 12 security personnel checked, 7 did not hold a valid SIA licence and 2 were not displaying their SIA licence - both are offences under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Alleged benefit fraud offences were also discovered.

Christy Hopkins, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"This is another example of the excellent co-operation between the SIA, police and other agencies. These partnerships help us to send out the message that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring security companies and their operatives comply with the law. We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that customers of security and the public receive the highest possible standards from security providers."

Superintendent Bobby Shaw of Strathclyde Police commented:

"My intention is very clear. Strathclyde Police will not stand for security companies working outside the law, and along with our partner agencies, we will continue to enforce this new legislation rigorously within Inverclyde. My message to the genuine businesses which need to engage security companies is that they should thoroughly check the credentials of these enterprises before hiring them.

"It is obvious from the results of Operation Protector that some of these companies think they can ignore the law. They do so at their peril, because we will revisit this again and again over the coming weeks and months."

Notes to Editors:

• Information on enforcement action and how the SIA obtains and uses intelligence 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.