Checks were carried out to ensure that companies providing security at construction sites across the West Dunbartonshire area were working legally and only deploying SIA licensed security operatives.

During the intelligence-led operation:

6 security sites were visited

13 individuals were checked

6 security guards were being deployed lawfully

1 security guard was arrested pending further enquires.

6 unlicensed operatives, aged between 22 and 61 were reported for
working without an SIA licence (a Section 3 offence)

3 people were reported for possible DWP offences,
with investigations continuing

Christy Hopkins, an SIA Head of Investigation said: “It is important that the Scottish construction industry takes more significant steps to ensure that only SIA licensed operatives protect their security sites. Failure to do so could lead to the prosecution of both the employee andtheir employer.
“We will continue to work with our partners at Strathclyde Police and DWP to help drive out criminality and drive up standards in security provision.”

Superintendent William Thornton from Strathclyde Police said: “I was encouraged by the success of this joint venture, which resulted in the detection of offences across a number of security sites in Dunbarton and Clydebank. Due to the impact of this type of partnership operation, we hope to repeat this activity in the future.”