SIA LICENCE HUB | An Online Resource for SIA Licence, Training & Careers Advice

Teenager Convicted of Racial Abuse Against Security Guard

Oct 10 • News • 3582 Views

Earlier this week a racial hate crime against a security guard ended up in court.

Over the years careers in the security industry have been a popular entry point for ethnic minorities, and is a great aspect of a security job that they are open to all.

However, racial aggression from the public continues to be an issue and is terrible to hear of stories such as this; racial abuse against a security guard while at work.

The abuse took place at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness, Scotland on the 24^th January this year.

A teenager, drunk on Buckfast wine (obviously a classy individual) set about racially abusing the security guard for no apparent reason at all.

The were many witnesses to the actions of the accused, a Mr Ian Grant (19 years old) of Firhill Alness.

Eastgate Shopping Centre – Scene of the abuse towards the Security Guard

The defendant admitted to the crime in court this week, while also admitting to shouting and swearing and threatening violence towards the security guard, a Mr Jerzy Lawryoiwz.

Of course, the guard acted professionally – having undergone the security guard training course, he knew not to provoke the offender, especially in his drunk state.

Alongside fellow security officers, the scene came to end with the group being dispersed. The police did not arrive at the scene.

Procurator fiscal Andrew Laing explained to the court how Grant began shouting at the guards, using “abusive sexual terms”.

He also threatened violence to all the guards that came to assist, by stating that he was skilled in Martial Arts.

He targeted Jerzy Lawryoiwz especially, drawing attention to the fact the security guard was Polish, referring to his nationality is derogative abusive terms.

Sentencing took place earlier this week

Sheriff of the court, Ms Margaret Neilson passed sentence, with Mr Grant ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work, with an 18 month spell under supervision, with alcohol treatment counseling.

What we hope that this news story explains, is that a security guard does not have to put up with racial abuse and explain it away as ‘part of the job’.

Such behaviour should not be tolerated in the U.K, and the fact the abuse was reported meant that action was taken , and the offender punished accordingly. He certainly will think twice before abusing an on duty security guard.

Racial discrimination and abuse is not part of a security guard’s job; the more of us that remember that and take action when it occurs, the better.

If you have witnessed a racial hate crime or have been subjected to one, you can report it online here.

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The SIA Licence Checker

Oct 10 • SIA Licence • 53459 Views

You have sent off your SIA licence application (along with the 220 odd pound to do so), and you are quite frankly rather anxious to get licensed. Understandable, you want to start job searching and nail that security officer job as soon as possible.

Well thankfully, the guys at the SIA have an online facility called the SIA licence Checker. Using this tool you can check the progress of your SIA licence application online, anytime of the day. While you are waiting for their decision on your licence, you can keep yourself updated on how far they are through the process by using the SIA Licence Checker.

There are several stages to the application process that the SIA licence Checker will help you review:
- The SIA department of the Home Office will receive your application form pack
- Your application form is entered into their system and then the process begins
- The SIA will then run all the relevant qualifications, criminality and identity checks.
- (With the new Post Office application process, identity checks can be completed in person)
- The SIA department then makes a decision on whether they will grant you an SIA license or not.
The SIA state that this process, in around 80% of correctly submitted applications, should take only 25 working days.

Using the SIA Licence Checker

When you first click to login to check your application you will be taken through to the SIA secure server site. Here you will be asked to enter details relevant to your application.

What Information do I need to use the SIA Licence Checker?

The details that you will be asked to enable you to login to the checker are as follows:
- Your application number (this is the most important piece of information for tracking your application progress, and will have been given to you on receipt of your licence application)
- Surname
- Forename
- Date of birth
- Middle name, if applicable
What will the SIA Licence Checker tell me?

The SIA licence checker will give you an ‘at-a-glance’ indication of your application progress in the licensing process. Where necessary the checker will also give you an exact explanation of what is happening. The SIA website cite the following descriptions as examples of the sort of update you may receive with regards to your application.
- ”Your application was received on [DATE]. We are currently making sure you have provided all the information we need. We aim to process correctly completed applications within five weeks.”
- “Your application was incomplete. A letter was sent on [DATE] which explains what information we require to resolve this. We have not taken payment for your application.”
Clearly, you do not want to be seeing the second comment. However, this does show that you will know if there has been an issue with your licence application, and the SIA will clearly state what that problem is.

The SIA licence checker will also be able to tell you whether the SIA have made a decision on your application, and what that decision is. If you have been granted a licence the Checker will be able to tell you what your licence number is and whether your licence has been dispatched.

When There Are Delays In The Progress Of Your Application

The actual application process begins from the moment your application has been entered into the system and will end when the decision has been made.

However, if during the process your application fails validation, the process stops will come to a stop. The most common reason for this is submission of an incorrect application form or failure of one of the security checks.

In most instances the application process runs smoothly. The SIA state that where any additional checks such as qualification enquiries and/or overseas criminal record checks have to be made, your application could take longer than 25 days.
- Check on a submitted SIA Licence Application. (Redirect to SIA website)
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The Ultimate Security Guard SIA Licence & Training Guide

Oct 7 • Featured, Security Guard • 18726 Views

If you want to become a security guard within the UK then you are in the right place. This article aims to be the ultimate guide to SIA licensing and training for those wanting to begin their careers as a security guard.

You may be aware that you will have to pass your SIA training and apply for your SIA licence before you can become a security guard.

By the end of the article you will have all the information you need to do this.

The SIA Licence for Security Guards

One of the first steps is to becoming a security guard is to look into the requirements of the SIA security guard licence. Before going through the process of choosing a training provider and passing your security guard exams, it make sense to check that your current circumstances make you eligible for a licence.

For example, to be eligible for an SIA security guard licence you must be 18 years old or above and able to legally work in the U.K

You will also want to check that you have no prior criminal convictions that could prevent you from being eligible for a licence. The SIA do background checks on all security guard licence applications. For details of whether you would pass the SIA Criminality checks, Head here.

The security guard SIA licence is what is known as a front line licence. (A non front line licence has to be obtained for those working in a supervisory role, and will not necessarily be dealing so much with the general public.)

After you have successfully completed your security guard training, and have received your licence from the SIA, it will arrive as a small credit card sized plastic card. This must be visibly worn by all front line security personnel while they are at work.

How much will my SIA licence cost?

A front line 3-year SIA licence application for security guards will cost you £220.

The SIA licence cost is payable directly to the SIA, (your training provider are not involved with this process). The fee covers the cost of the application process. SIA licence fees are non refundable so make sure you have all the correct documentation in place when making your application. (We explain the full process below).

How long will it take?

The SIA states that approximately 80% of correctly completed applications are processed within 25 working days.

If your application requires further criminality checks or foreign qualification enquiries, the application time may take longer than this.

SIA Licence Integration

In some circumstances where you may have trained for more than one security officer role, (security guard and door supervisor for instance) the SIA will allow for more than one licensable activity to be included under the same licence. To find out more on Licence integration Here.

The SIA ‘Get Licensed’ Booklet

The SIA publish a comprehensive, ‘Get Licensed’ booklet. This contains everything you will ever need to know about SIA licensing rules and regulations. Download it Here.

WHAT SIA TRAINING DO I NEED TO BECOME A SECURITY GUARD?

The SIA training for security guards, means you will need to attend and take three training modules and take and pass three exams.

The course may be delivered over four days or during weekends and/or evening sessions. The duration of the security guard training is universal amongst all training providers and should include 26 hours of class contact time.
Core Learning and Qualifications on the SIA Training course for Security Guards
Core Learning for Common Security Industry Knowledge (10 hours)
- Session 1: Awareness of the Law in the Private Security Industry
- Session 2: Health and Safety for the Private Security Operative
- Session 3: Fire Safety Awareness
- Session 4: Emergency Procedures
- Session 5: The Private Security Industry
- Session 6: Communication Skills and Customer Care
Security Guarding Specialist Module (8 hours)
- Session 1: Introduction to the Roles and Responsibilities of Security Officers
- Session 2: Patrolling
- Session 3: Access and Egress Control
- Session 4: Searching
- Session 5: Technology and Systems in the Security Enviroment
- Session 6: The Security Officer and The Law
- Session 7: Communicating, Reporting and Record Keeping
Conflict Management Module (8 hours)
- Session 1: Avoiding Conflict and Reducing Personal Risk
- Session 2: Defusing Conflict
- Session 3: Resolving and Learning from Conflict
- Session 4: Application of Communication Skills and Conflict Management for Security Guarding and Close Protection
SECURITY GUARD EXAMINATIONS

At the end of the course you will be expected to take 3 exams in order to apply for your SIA licence. The security guard examination is a Level 2 exam. (There is no level 1 or 3 examination). The three modules you will be tested on are as follows:

Working in the private security industry examination

Here you are tested via a multiple choice examination. The number of questions can vary depending on the awarding body being used by your training provider. You will normally have 45 minutes to finish this examination, with the pass mark being 75%.

Click the links below for an example of an SIA training exam paper for security guards:

Working in the Private Security Industry 1 – Practice Exam with Answers

Working in the Private Security Industry 2 – Practice Exam with Answers

Working as a security guard examination paper

As with all the exams they can vary ever so slightly depending on the training provider, and the awarding body they work under. However, generally you are expected to answer 30 to 40 multiple-choice questions within 1hr. You will have a choice of 4 options for each question. The pass mark for the security guard examination is 75%.

Click the link below for an example paper:

Security Guarding – Practice Exam with Answers

Conflict management examination paper

Again the method of testing is via the multiple choice question. The exam is will contain 20 to 25 questions that have to be answered within 45 minutes.

TIPS ON CHOOSING AN SIA SECURITY GUARD TRAINING COURSE
Here are the Hub’s top 10 practical tips that you can use when selecting your SIA training provider to become a security guard.
Does the course offer a free consultation so that you are able to discuss your training requirements? An established course will be happy to offer this, either over the phone or in person.

Does the training provider offer courses specifically designed for the different SIA disciplines? Try to gauge how comprehensive their services seem to be.

As a continuation of point 2, does the training provider offer courses at a range of levels. As you can see from our ‘which course do I need to take’ section. Security roles have a minimum standard you must acquire before you can apply for your licence. However, there is further training available for those advancing their careers. Does the course teach those too. (If yes, this shows a significant commitment to training across the board).

It is important that the course will award you with nationally and internationally recognised certifications. BTEC and City and Guilds are the ones you are after.

Is your training provider BTEC certified?

How regular are the courses that they provide? It becomes academic if the training provider you have selected ticks all the boxes, except for the fact the course doesn’t run for another 3 months. An established training provider with a good reputation should have enough bookings to hold their courses a number of times a month. (depending on area/demand).

It make sense to choose a training provider located in your area. Therefore you can take a visit to the site and get a feel for the place. Does it feel like a professional learning environment, are the teaching areas modern or does it feel like a high school broom cupboard from the 50’s?

What is the background of the training staff? You want professionally qualified tutors that have worked in the industry. Real world experience counts for everything in the security world.

Evidence of endorsement from – or in association with – leading industry bodies, such as the SIA or BSIA.

Always make sure your chosen training provider is SIA approved.

Has the training provider been listed and recommended on websites such as the SIA Licence Hub? And other such security officer communities? Check forums, what has been said about this particular training provider? A great provider will have the confidence to leave a feedback comments section on their website. Do some detective work, what are people saying about it?

Don’t make your decision based on price alone. Way up all the options and check your chosen training provider with some of the questions listed above. It is better to spend more and get a fantastic training experience that will put you in good stead for the career ahead, than it is to pay less, turn up and get nothing more than the minimum knowledge in order to pass the exams.
For a list of training providers in your area the best place to look is the SIA approved security training provider database.
5 TIPS TO SAIL THROUGH THE SIA TRAINING EXAMS

If the thought of taking the exams makes you nervous, or you just feel completely out of practice and it is actually putting you off applying for the training in the first place, realize you are not alone, and in many ways it is not all bad news. With the right approach you will be able to get through your sia licence examinations with no problem at all.

Here’s how:

Pay Attention

It may seem obvious to say this, but all the knowledge you need to pass the exams will be provided during the contact hours. Paying attention during the training course is the first major step in ensuring you will pass your examinations.

This means you need to develop your listening skills and attention span. Hopefully, if you are on a good course with competent trainers this will come easy. The course and teaching methods should be conducted in a way that keeps you engaged. That being said, you still need to put the effort in yourself and maintain your concentration.

Write notes as the course progresses and commit yourself to answering questions or joining in with the group activities. The more involved you are the more you will learn and the more you will retain for the exam.

Time Management

For each of the training courses available there is a compulsory amount of contact time that you must complete before you are allowed to take the exams. This means that during the length of your SIA training course you must arrive on time for each of your modules.

More importantly, time management is crucial for the examinations. Depending on which exam you are taking, they can be between 30 minutes and 1 hour long. You need to spread your time evenly across all of the questions. Do not spend a large amount of time of one question and then find yourself short of time towards the end.

Remember the examiners are not setting out to trick you. There is more than enough time to read through all the options, (the exams are generally multiple-choice). Also, each question carries the same mark. If you find you do not know an answer, take a guess anyway. It us much better to answer a question than to leave it blank.

Embrace your SIA Training

For a lot of SIA training you will be working as part of a team. On some courses you will get to act out potential scenarios you might expect to encounter once working as a security officer. In all of this you will be expected to contribute, be friendly and willing to work with others.

If you are a naturally shy person, this doesn’t mean to say you have to become extroverted over-night. It just means that you must show a willingness to be involved. If you can cooperate with others you will find you will have a far better time on the course, and in your future security career.

Once you have your SIA licence and have landed that first job, you will generally find yourself working with others anyway.

Revise what you have learned

Throughout the various training days you will receive course materials, handouts, links to websites for further information etc. (This all depends on how the course is presented by your training provider)

All the same, you should spend time each evening, going through what ever notes and materials you have to make sure it has all sunk in.

If you have spent the afternoon going through some practical exercises with your group ask if anyone wants to grab a coffee or a beer afterwards. This is a great way of getting to know those on your course, as well as an enjoyable way of discussing what’s been covered that day. You will find the information will stay in the mind if you take time to go over it outside of the classroom.

Obviously, in preparation for your exam you should always allocate time to go through all your materials so that you are fully prepared.

Have the right attitude

Having the right attitude will get you far in life. If you’re turning up to your SIA training late, having long lunches or disappearing for cigarette breaks, or simply turning up and not paying attention, you will not succeed.

Not only will you fail to learn what you need to, your attitude could be questioned by the trainers and you may not even be able to take the exam.

Working as a security officer is a position of responsibility. When employed in a role, you will be expected to show the correct level of professionalism at all times. You should demonstrate this professionalism during your training also. Put bluntly, if you are unable to take the training seriously, what chance do you have of taking a career in the field seriously.

As stated above, paying attention to what you are being taught, managing your time correctly and joining in wholeheartedly will go a long way to ensuring you gain all the knowledge you need to achieve a fantastic pass mark and go on to do very well as a security officer.

Learning can be fun and interesting if you approach it with the right attitude. And if you have learnt all the necessary information, any exam will be a breeze.

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR SIA LICENCE

Once you have successfully passed your security guard training course, it will be time to apply for your SIA Licence.

The important factor here is to make sure you read the application form carefully. If you provide the correct information from the start, you should have no issues with getting your licence.

What documents do I need?

To apply for your security guard licence, the SIA requires that you send them identification and proof of address documents. To do this you can send either:
- Two identity documents from group A. One of the documents must show your address and at least one must show your date of birth.
Or
- One identity document from group A and two documents from group B. Again the same as above applies, at least one document showing your address, the other your date of birth.
Click here to see what are valid Group A and B SIA Licence documents.

Any documents you send to the SIA will be returned to you by courier or post.
The following rules apply to any documents that are sent with your SIA Licence application:
- You must send the SIA original documents – no photocopies please.
- Documents must confirm your correct name, current address and date of birth.
- No plastic holders, sleeves and wallets should be sent with the documents.
- All documents must be in English, (or be translated from an approved translator)
You will also need a passport photograph of yourself. This should be 45mm x 35mm in size, and contain your front profile with your face filling most of image and against a plain background.
The new Post Office SIA licence application process step-by-step

The process of applying or renewing your SIA Licence was streamlined last year with the introduction of the option to carry out the procedure with you local post office.

The SIA believes that the new process will help prevent administrative errors and speed up the application time. It will also reduce the amount of rejected applications and the possibility of fraud.
The new application system will work in the following way:
1. Those applying for a licence will do so by logging on to the SIA website and entering the full application details online.
1. The SIA online system will instruct each applicant on the type of documents they need to supply.
1. Your local Post Office will then have access to your online details. You visit the post office with all your supporting documentation, instead of sending valuable originals through the post.
1. The Post Office will take your licence photograph and your signature.
1. Licence fees will be collected by the post office there and then.
1. The Post Office will send all your licence details to the SIA.
1. Once your application is successful you will receive your licence through the post.
How to pay for your SIA Security Guard Licence

You can pay for your licence with any UK bank cheques, and payments from debit/credit cards registered in the UK. (Cheques from foreign bank accounts are not acceptable. Any credit cards that are billed or registered outside the UK will also fail.)

SIA Licence Cost – Handy Money Saver Information
- You might be able to claim tax relief against your taxable income – For more info visit the HMRC website
- If you are applying for more that one licence you can get 50% off the cost of your second licence. More info Here
Once your new security guard licence has arrived in the post, it is time to start searching for that first security guard job.

HOW TO FIND WORK AFTER YOUR SIA TRAINING COURSE

Here are a few links to our best articles on finding work in the security industry. After you have read all these head to the security guard jobs link to actually find the security guard job for you.

Corporate Security Guard Jobs – Is it Right for You?

Top Security Guard Interview Questions

Top 10 Tips to Finding Work in the Security Industry

Security Guard Jobs

If you have anything to add to our definitive guide – please leave your comments below.

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SIA Licence Criminality Checks Explained

Oct 6 • SIA Licence • 25250 Views

In its role over seeing the correct and universal standard of the security industry, it is an important objective of the SIA to ensure the integrity of licence holders. This in turn means there are stringent background tests to prevent criminals from working in SIA licensed roles.

So what exactly are the criminal checks, and how may they affect you?

Some people have criminal records, that does not mean to say they should penalized for past mistakes for the rest of their lives. You may have a small conviction from years past, and may wonder if can you still apply for an SIA licence and work as Security Guard?

Apart from the usual identity checks, the SIA will conduct criminality checks against a five year period of records. (Motoring offences do not apply, and will not be taken into account except in very extra-ordinary circumstances)

If you have a conviction or caution within the 5 year period, your application will go through further checks. It does not necessarily mean you will not be granted your licence. The process your application then goes through is as follows:

The Security Industry Authority will evaluate the offence to determine whether it was,
- Relevant
- Serious
- Recent
The following is a list of “relevant” offences in the context of an SIA licence application:
- Offensive weapons
- Sexual related offences
- Drug related offences
- Firearms
- Theft and fraud
- Proceeds of crime
- Violent and abusive behaviour. Convictions for assault
- Espionage/terrorism
- Social security offences
- Criminal damage
- Private Security Industry Act offences
- Licensing Act offences
- Convicted for the abuse and neglect of children
- Some driving offences (extremely serious and attracts a prison sentence whether or not it was actually served)
It is important to be realistic. If you have any convictions for the above offences, they will seriously hamper your chances of successfully applying for a SIA licence. Generally, any of the listed offences discharged in the 2 years up to the date that you make your application would lead to a refusal of the SIA to grant you your licence.

Furthermore, if in the offence categories listed above your charge was serious, the SIA will refuse a licence application unless the sentence you received ended at least 5 years prior to the date you make the application.

Exactly how does the SIA judge an offence to be serious?

The SIA will look into the maximum length of sentence for each of the relevant offences listed above. If the maximum sentence is of 4 years or higher, the SIA will state the offence as serious for the purposes of your SIA licence application.

Having said that, Sexual offences, violent crimes and offences involving terrorism or the proceeds of crime are all rated as ‘serious’ in the eyes of the SIA. The maximum sentences attached to these crimes are not considered.

Any offence you may have been charged as carrying an “Offensive Weapon” is classified as serious even though the sentences attached to this category of crime does fall below the 4 year threshold.

Court of Conviction

If you faced your conviction in the Magistrate’s court it is more than likely the offence will not be classed as serious. The reason for this is that the Magistrates Courts deal with lower criminal cases. There is no power within those courts to apply sentences of over 4 years or more. From an SIA licence perspective a conviction within the Magistrates will be considered only relevant.

The Crown court is the higher criminal court and can give sentences of over 4 years. Any proceedings and subsequent sentence within the Crown court will be seen as serious and treated as such by the SIA when processing your licence application.

Character of Applicant

Importantly, the SIA will look to see if your offence was a “out of character” mistake. If the offence is judged to be isolated, the SIA are in a position to request a mitigation. This gives the licence applicant an opportunity to provide a professional reference, or evidence of voluntary training/activities that show positive cause. In such circumstance the SIA may grant a licence.

Do not let a conviction from your distant past put you off training and applying for an SIA licence. However, it is wise to take into account the SIA view on more recent criminal activity. In many instances it will prevent you from working as a security officer.

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Quick Thinking Security Guard Prevents Drink Driving Accident

Sep 29 • News • 4501 Views

It is nice for us to report on a security guard story that doesn’t involve either the security guard carrying out a particular misdemeanor while on the job, or being attacked in some way, (read our latest security officer news updates to get an idea of what we mean.)

Earlier this month a security guard’s quick thinking stopped a serious drink driving accident from potentially taking place. The guard was working at Croyde’s RUDA Holiday Park where the incident occurred on the 4^th of September.

The court heard how the Sean Fitzpatrick, 44, of Sewall Highway, Coventry was prevented from leaving the holiday park because the security guard had pre-empted the man’s actions.

The guard, after being called to a scene via a noise complaint, found Fitzpatrick arguing with his partner.

The security guard calmly asked Fitzpatrick and a woman, who had both been drinking, to quieten down. He then later received another call stating that the drunk man had got into a car and started driving away.

The guard went straight to the main gates and locked them, preventing Fitzpatrick from driving away. The security guard then forced Fitzpatrick to hand his keys over before calling the police.

Although a bold move by the security guard, his pre-emptive actions clearly helped avoid any more serious crime from taking place.

Even Fitzpatrick was pleased with the guards actions: “if it wasn’t for him I would be up the M5 and off to Coventry.’” The police heard him say.

A breath test showed Fitpatrick had 78 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

As we say, we would like to report on positive news stories from the security industry a lot more. Every day security officers around the UK go about their jobs professionally, their experience helping make the public safe. Unfortunately, these stories of working security guards often go unnoticed. Some may argue that it is all part of a security guard’s job. While true, it does not mean we should not highlight when a guards actions help prevent crime as well as catch it in the act.

Here a security guard may have stopped a drunk driver from mowing down an innocent victim with his car. An excellent outcome we think you will agree.

Due to the fact Fitzpatrick has had a history of drink driving offences, sentencing may be more severe. Sentencing will be held at a hearing on October 24.

An image of what could have happened if the security guard had not acted the way he did.

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Security Guard Threatened by Knife Wielding Pensioner

Sep 23 • News • 4535 Views

A pensioner who recently threatened a security guard with a knife has been sent to jail.

The security guard was working at a Tesco store in Seacroft, Yorkshire when the assault took place. Needless to say, no security guard training course in the UK prepares trainees for potential attack from a 68 year old pensioner.

Peter Bateman was given an 8-month sentence for the incident.

The pensioner was caught on CCTV cameras taking items at 2.30am, before leaving the store without paying.

The security guard had seen the actions via the CCTV cameras and followed the man outside.

There Bateman pulled out a 15cm knife blade and threatened the security guard asking him when he left off. The security guard stated 7am, at which point Bateman replied. “I will guarantee you will be dead by then.”

Police were contacted after the incident and Bateman was found in possession of the weapon.

Bateman, of Wharfedale Court, Seacroft, pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon. The court heard he has 10 previous convictions for 17 offences.

The defence, linking the behaviour to Bateman’s alcohol misuse brought on by the breakdown of his marriage and losing his business, stated such as mitigating circumstances.

Whatever the reasons for Batemans behaviour, the fact is knife crime is on the increase in the UK. This leaves security guards particularly vulnerable. Security guard training is low on close quarter protection and what one must do when in faced with potential knife attack. However, it is just the kind of security guard job, manning the front doors of super markets etc where such offences are likely to take place.

Of course the door supervisor training does include the relevant modules, however these too are not that comprehensive. If UK knife crime continues to increase, security officers through out the UK may need to further their training in order to know how to act in what could be a life threatening situation.

The prosecuting judge did state that society is constantly hearing about people carrying knives under similar circumstances and tragedies happening. Deterrent sentences have to be imposed.

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Security Guard Under Investigation for Hate Crime

Sep 17 • News • 4074 Views

A Sports Direct security guard has been sacked after he allegedly barred a group of Jewish schoolboys from entering and stating: “No Jews, no Jews.”

The alleged incident happened at the Hertfordshire branch of Sports Direct recently and is now being reported in the local press.

The two 11-year-olds were in their first full week of school at Yavneh College in Borehamwood. Their solicitor father has released a statement telling of the damning actions of the security guard, with the incident being treated as a hate crime by the security guard.

On their part, Sports Direct have also taken the incident very seriously. The retailer had employed the security guard through a 3^rd party security company. The security guard was removed from the position at the store immediately, and has since been fired from the security agency.

A director at Sports Direct named Simon Bentley has apologised to the family.

The incident has been reported to the police and to the CST, an organisation that represents Britain’s Jewish community and tackles anti-Semitism.

Race crimes such as this do nothing for the security industry at all, and are very harmful to the reputation of security guards across the board. There is no room in any security role for attitudes such as those allegedly exhibited here.

The evidence is being considered by the CPS; if they conclude that the security guard has carried out a hate crime, he will be prosecuted.”

“All hate crime is a matter for the Police,” the solicitor father of the two children said. “Have faith in the system, which is inherently good, and seeks to protect those who are being wrongfully and indiscriminately pursued.”

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Armed Robbers steal £6,000 from G4S Cash in Transit Security Guard

Sep 9 • News • 6441 Views

Armed robbers stole £6,000 from a Cash-in-transit security guard. The G4S worker was confronted by the robbers, one of which was wearing a mask and carrying a gun.

The incident took place in Birmingham Road, Wolverhampton in April last year. (Another armed robbery of a security guard also took place in Wolverhampton this year – is the area becoming a hunting ground for armed thieves?)

G4S cash-in-transit security measures meant that the bank notes were stained with a red dye that was released as soon as the cash boxes were opened.

Andrew Fellows, aged 49, Tina Richards, 49, Tyler Friths, 24, Michael Miller, 27, and Dadlin Sutton, 24, all admitted to being part of the crime at a previous hearing.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was the scene of the prosecution yesterday, with the court hearing that the security guard was collecting money from the Bell Inn public house on April 8 2013 when the robbery took place.

The security guard could do very little in the face of armed gunmen, and the security cash box was handed over.

The robbers got away in a Seat that was subsequently found in Fellow’s garage. Cash from the robbery was also found in the home of Fellows and Richards, in Cypress Way, Yew Tree, in Walsall. A black balaclava and a pair of gloves were also found at the home.

Armed robbery of a cash-in-transit security guard does not seem worth it from the perspective of robbers, however these crimes continue.

With G4S cash box security measures making the money unusable, and with the volume of money being relatively small, the consequences of being caught far out way the benefits of the crime.

For their actions, Judge Michael Dudley jailed Fellows for 28 months. Richards, Friths, and Miller, a Birmingham University student, were all jailed for 18 months each.

The robbery took place just outside the Bell Inn on Birmingham Rd

The police caught the individuals on the very same day the robbery of the cash-in-transit van took place. When Sutton was searched the detectives found £1,200 of dye-stained cash.

Mr Simon Williams, defending Fellows, stated that the man was remorseful about the events. “It would appear that his strongest mitigation is his guilty plea.”

Again, crimes like this high light the need for as much security in cash-in-transit as training and technology would allow.

When a gun is put to a security guard’s face, they clearly should comply with whatever demands are made.

It is then up to the technology such as cash staining security boxes, CCTV cameras, (on the van and on buildings cash-in-transit officers are likely to operate, and of course police response time.

In this scenario it seems as if all these facets aligned very well indeed. The robbers were caught and convicted of their crimes, and importantly the security guard came out unharmed.

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Man head butts security guard in the face breaking her nose

Sep 7 • News • 3649 Views

A man has been banned from every Asda in the UK after he head butted a female security guard in the face after saying, “stop f***ing following me!”

The attack happened against the security guard in Skelton, Cleveland in April this year, with the case only coming to court this week.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 26 year-old, who was suspected of being a shoplifter, was previously barred after being abusive to staff.

Emma Atkinson, prosecuting, said Mackenzie threatened to smash the woman’s face in and said: “Stop f****** following me”.

He then headbutted the security guard, breaking her nose, as she escorted him out.

This raises the question on close physical training on the current SIA security guard training course.

Nearly every story we have run lately involves a security guard being physically attacked while on the job.

The industry needs to make the role of a security guard a safer job for those that undertake the career. The security guard course overseen by the SIA does not currently contain enough training on how to deal with a close quarters attack. For that you have to do the door supervisor or close protection course.

However, with security guards manning posts at supermarkets, banks and other areas that put them very close to the public, attacks like this one, along with many others we cover are going to continue to take place.

The offender in this case, admitted to assault against the female security guard, occasioning actual bodily harm.

Judge George Moorhouse jailed Mackenzie for four months.

If you have taken the security guard training course lately and feel more physical combat training would be worthwhile, please add your comments below.

We want to make sure that those that decide to have a security guard job, are equipped with the skills necessary to fulfill the role. Keeping themselves and the public safe in the hands of such volatile individuals.

Sentencing took place in Teeside Crown Court

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A CCTV Operator’s skills help Convict Sex Offender

Sep 4 • CCTV Operations, News • 8419 Views

A skilled CCTV operator managed to capture the image of a sex attacker, with the evidence used in court.

Bikramjit Baden had denied sexually assaulting a young student woman on her doorstep during an incident that took place in March 2014. However, earlier this week a jury at Warwick Crown Court found him guilty by a unanimous verdict.

Baden was accused of following the girl home in Leamington after a night out.

She left the nightclub at around 1.30am to make her way home. Thankfully the route was partly covered by CCTV cameras. At a junction, Baden walked past her and said: “Hi pretty lady.”

The girl ignored him, and continued on her route home, however Baden began to follow her, making further comments as they went.

Baden followed the girl all the way to her home, and then on her doorstep he carried out the attack.

He punched her in the head and then continued to hit her until she fell to the floor. There he began to sexually assault her, putting his hand up her skirt.

At this point the girl’s housemate had awoken from the noise of the struggle and opened the door. Baden fled the scene.

A CCTV Operators Skills & Knowledge of the area helped secure a conviction.

The CCTV operator who’s skills on the job helped a successful conviction had recognised him from the footage captured of Baden as he followed the girl home.

Enough clear CCTV footage was obtained, for the CCTV operator to link the image and profile of the offender to a photographer that worked the Leamington night clubs.

The CCTV operator searched the Loose Box bar website and retrieved a photograph of Baden. Further CCTV footage was obtained showing Baden, (known as Bik) leaving the club at 1.46 that morning.

Along with testimony from the girl, the operators captured CCTV footage and positive identification from the website, Baden was found guilty and sentenced to three years in jail. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life.

This grave attack will haunt the victim for the rest of her life. A factor the sentencing Judge Richard Griffith-Jones spoke of during the trial.

Without the knowledge the CCTV operator had of his area, (a skill required of all good CCTV operators), the connection might not have been made to the man in the footage to that of Baden that worked in the area.

The incident, also raised the importance of CCTV footage around licensed premises, as well as our public streets.

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