In the last year, Merseyside Police estimate that rogue security firms have caused millions of pounds worth of damage on the city’s construction sites to intimidate companies into hiring them.
 
Louise Burton of the Merseyside Police press office told B&E that raids on 16 addresses in the area last month are believed to be connected to illegal security firms.

Chief Superintendent Andy Cooke, who led the operation, said he was determined to crackdown on criminals who target construction companies to gain contracts. “In the run-up to Capital of Culture, there is an awful lot of money to be made in the security industry. Liverpool is benefiting from continued investment in the area and we cannot stand by and watch rogue security firms profit from the city’s regeneration.”

Illegal security firms are often linked to other crimes and in last months raids 11 arrests were made for offences including possession of drugs, theft and disqualified driving. 

Lucia Howland, the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) head of investigation said: “We are all working together with Merseyside Police and partners in the construction industry to ensure that only trained, qualified and fit and proper people are employed for contracted security services at the city’s construction sites.”

Howland said that companies should only use SIA licensed security guards. “Those using unlicensed guards could face prosecution, damage their business reputation and their insurance cover may be jeopardised.”