The result comes after a lengthy court process concerning offences committed at the time licensing of the manned guarding sector came into force – confirming that the SIA has both the power and intent to prosecute.

The East Grinstead-based company, which provided security staff for high street retailers including Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Harvey Nichols, GAP, Cadbury and OTTO UK, was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Friday [19 February] of seven counts of supplying unlicensed security guards. It was found not guilty of two counts. The retailers (who had no part in the offences as the staff were hired under contract) were supportive of the case and a number gave evidence against Sabrewatch in court.

During the six-week hearing, the jury heard that the company supplied hundreds of unlicensed security operatives in the months following 20 March 2006, the date by which all contract security guards had to be licensed. These deployments took place despite clear and frequent warnings by the SIA, and were in contrast to the many other suppliers who took proper steps to ensure that they complied with the law.

Director and 94%shareholder Luke Lucas, 61, of Charters Towers, Felcourt Road, East Grinstead (the company address), was found guilty by a jury of seven counts of supplying unlicensed security operatives. He was found not guilty of two similar counts. The offences took place between 20 March 2006 and 29 May 2006.

Directors George Charalambous, 46, of South Lodge Drive, Oakwood, north London, and Anthony Hutchins, 46, of Stonehaven Drive, Woodley, Berkshire, were both found guilty of seven counts of supplying unlicensed operatives from the date they became directors, 10 April 2006, to 29 May 2006.

A confiscation order of £100k was obtained from the company under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Sabrewatch Limited was also ordered to pay the SIA’s costs of £1 million. The defendants are due to be sentenced on 26 February.

The case was subject to lengthy delays as a result of challenges brought by the defendants. The SIA’s right to prosecute was endorsed by the Court of Appeal after being challenged by Sabrewatch Limited and Luke Lucas. The SIA also won a subsequent challenge that the prosecution was an abuse of process.

SIA chief executive Bill Butler said:

“The SIA is pleased to have secured the convictions in this important and long running case and to have confirmed our right and intent to prosecute those who flout the law.

The vast majority of the security industry made great efforts to ensure that their guards were licensed in time. It is wholly right that this company and its directors have been convicted for offending which was widespread and deliberate.”

Notes to Editors:

* It is an offence under the Private Security Industry Act to deploy unlicensed security operatives. A customer hiring security staff under contract is not responsible for ensuring those staff are licensed – rather it is the duty of the contractor to ensure its staff are licensed before they are deployed.
* The Security Industry Authority regulates the private security industry in the United Kingdom under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, reporting to the Home Secretary. Its main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme approving private security suppliers.

Technorati Tags: Licensing, news, sia

The firm’s boss, who police claimed is a puppet of Ferris, is to get his licence back after a climbdown by security industry watchdogs.

The fiasco over Proview CCTV Services, who have a £3.9million-a- year turnover, is the latest blow to Strathclyde Police’s high-profile crackdown on rogue security firms.

A police dossier said gangland figure Ferris, 46, controlled Preview and that John Houston, 42, was just his frontman.

The watchdog body, the Security Industry Authority, revoked Houston’s licence but furious police have now been told he will get it back after mounting a legal challenge.

A number of other directors have already overturned bans. Houston, from Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, was due to challenge the SIA at Airdrie Sheriff Court on March 1.

But last week, the SIA’s advisers told Houston’s lawyer Jim Kelly that they were backing down and the licence would be returned.

A former director of Stirling-based Proview, Jim Methven, 40, is a known Ferris associate.

Methven, from Dollar, Clackmannanshire, previously ran the now defunct Frontline Group Security (Scotland) where Ferris claimed to be a “consultant”.

In a letter to the SIA explaining police concerns, Detective Superintendent John McSporran alleged that Ferris controlled Proview, Frontline and a third firm, Starlaw Biometrics.

McSporran, who was behind the campaign to close rogue firms, ‘ said intelligence indicated Ferris i was still involved in crime.

He wrote: “Ferris is a prominent Strathclyde-based criminal who has attempted to present himself as a reformed individual and legitimate businessman.

“However, intelligence indicates that he is still involved in serious and organised crime.

“Intelligence indicates Houston is a close associate of Paul Ferris andhas for many years been documented as being involved with Frontline Security and now Preview as operations manager.

“It appears Preview CCTV Services Ltd are following the lead of other security companies controlled by organised crime groups by placing ‘clean skins’ as a front to the company.”

Mr Kelly, who has won 20 similar cases against the SIA, accused police of a “witch-hunt”.

He said: “The SIA gave Mr Houston a licence knowing about his history but then decided to suspend and revoke it based upon information from the police.

“We called upon them to prove he associates with Paul Ferris and that he’s fronting this company for him but they haven’t done so.

“Mr McSporran has joined forces with the SIA to try to clean up the security industry and rid it of people they claim are involved in serious and organised crime.

“They’ve failed to substantiate any of these claims.”

Ferris, a convicted gun-runner, last night denied being an active criminal and having anything to do with Preview.

said: “My solicitor is waiting for police to air these allegations but the reason they can’t is they’re manufactured documents..

“They’re manufactured because I’m not doing anything… nothing whatsoever.

“I’ve been in John’s house once and that was to get two dogs. I’ve never mixed with John.”

Technorati Tags: Licensing, sia

What is an SIA License?
In 2001 the Public Security Industry Act was passed by the British Government. As a result of this the Security Industry Authority was created to regulate employment in the Private Security Industry. A result of this is people cannot work in any area of private security without holding a Current Valid Licence – with punishments including prison sentences for those working without one.

Security Companies – what do you need from them, after all aren’t they all just Security Guards?

SIA companies carry out all sorts of work, from event management, door staff, close protection, discreet personal security for celebrities, dignitaries, business people – even a Car Clamper has to be Security Industry Authority Licensed – a useful question to ask if your car is being clamped just as you arrive!!

An SIA approved security company can come into your office and provide services such as fire and emergency training, training your staff on how to use fire extinguishers and creating exit routes for your office staff in the event they need to leave quickly. An implementation of this kind of plan is often a pre-requisite for commercial insurance. In the event that you have not planned for this sort of emergency and the worst happens, your insurance may not pay out!

Other services offered by SIA approved companies include commercial and fraud surveillance. There are security firms out there that will be able to help you in the event that stock or money is going missing from your company.

A Security Industry Authority Licensed Security Company will also be able to help you with Installation of Intruder Alarms and alarm monitoring for both your home and your commercial properties.

Many SIA companies offer Keyholder and Keyholder Escort Services. A Keyholder is a person who is authorised to a have a set of keys to your premises, it may to be your house or to a commercial office. In the event an alarm is triggered, a Keyholder is called to go to the property and check it out. Many SIA companies can offer themselves as Keyholders, or they can escort the Keyholder to the property to check the alarm. Rest assured, a Security Industry Authorised Security Company would escort you with someone who would be more than ready to deal with any potential problems you may encounter.

In this new digital age, data theft, both on a personal level and in the business world is an extremely real issue. Some SIA security firms will be able to audit your business and advise you on any issues with your companies IT issues – and how to protect yourself from any potential attacks.

It is obvious that if you are in need of a Security Firm, you are going to need one that is SIA approved, if you require any of the above services or can imagine any of the scenarios discussed earlier happening, you want to be in the best position possible.

We hope you find the security company that you are looking for, and remember – If they’re not SIA approved then they’re not legal – when it comes to the security of your home or your business – you can never be complacent, so find the company that provides the services you need today – and feel secure!

Technorati Tags: Licensing, news

There are numerous SIA Licensing Companies out there that will be able to train you to the required standard. This Website can direct you to Security Industry Authority approved security consultants who will be able to provide you the necessary training and licensing required for you to be able to work In the Security Industry.

So, if you are looking for Employment in the Security Services Industry, or need the services of one, this is the place to start looking!

Technorati Tags: Licensing