21 August 2008: Police and investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) visited licensed premises in Swindon’s town centre to check that door staff working at the premises held valid SIA Door Supervisor licences.

The operation took place Friday 15 August and found 98% of door staff checked held valid licences.

• 19 licensed premises were visited
• 52 door supervisors were checked
• 1 door supervisor was reported for working without a valid licence
• 7 door supervisors were warned for not displaying their licences.

Sharon Roberts, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"This joint police/SIA operation demonstrated the high levels of compliance with the law in Swindon. It is also reassuring for the public to know that they are being kept safe by trained, qualified and SIA licensed door staff."

Louis McCoy from Wiltshire Police said:

"Swindon has a thriving night-time economy and many people enjoy socialising in the town. We want people to enjoy themselves safely and door staff have an important role in helping us ensure people remain safe. This operation has shown that door staff are working with the necessary licences which is extremely reassuring. However, it should also send a message to door staff working without a licence that we do check this and that anyone found to be working without a licence will be dealt with robustly.

We also took the opportunity to use new technology to test customers for traces of drugs further highlighting our determination to provide a positive environment in Swindon in which people can enjoy themselves. The results were very encouraging and were supported by the venues at which we conducted the tests."