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Home » Security Industry's vital role during riots

Security Industry's vital role during riots

The recent riots left a shock wave across the country as the mindless and selfish acts of those involved in the original London disturbances were mirrored in other cities throughout the UK.

Fortunately, the areas where GSL Dardan operate were not affected although the company immediately developed contingency plans with regard to our first line response services.

Whilst the focus of reporting the response was understandably on the emergency services and actions of local residents in protecting their property, the role of the private security industry did not attract a great deal of coverage.

The importance of private security firms

With Police forces stretched to their limits, customers of many private security firms operating on the frontline of the disturbances were immediately seeking reassurance that existing security measures in place were effective and this naturally led to immediate reviews of systems and operating protocols to ensure that their staff, premises and stock were secure.

A huge increase in demand for security officers was no surprise and the increased numbers of uniformed officers played a vital role in protecting property in the affected areas.

CCTV systems identified looters

In the aftermath the industry has also played a pivotal role in identifying and tracking down the looters by the many CCTV systems in use by our clients. In fact, this has been one of the main sources of identification as looters let their guard slip and scarves and hoods used to disguise them slipped or distinctive clothing was picked up on internal CCTV systems as they ransacked shops and offices.

Town centre CCTV operatives were also able to provide intelligence of flash points and potential areas for disturbances directing stretched resources of the Police.

Certainly many lessons will be learnt following the event and no doubt the private security industry will have an increased role to play in supporting the frontline services should we ever have the misfortune of a repeat of the despicable and sickening scenes.

Published on Mon, 08/15/2011 - 21:09
About GSL Dardan: We employ over 500 licenced security guards throughout Norfolk , Suffolk , Cambridgeshire and Aberdeenshire. In addition we operate 17 security patrol and response vehicles from our offices in Norwich , Ipswich , Peterborough , Cambridge , Great Yarmouth , Lowestoft , Kings Lynn and Leiston.