Cowboy security firms will be banned from any contracts in social housing construction across Scotland, Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil revealed today. Contracts to guard building sites will only be awarded to firms which are members of the UK Security Industry Authority approved contractors' scheme. Police forces and law enforcement agencies across Scotland have teamed up to target unscrupulous security firms involved in the construction sector. The new rules extend to housing associations and other affordable housing grant recipients the same checks that already apply to Scottis...

As the UK air and railway terror threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) urges public sector organisations to engage with the private security industry to further reduce the chances of attacks from occurring, highlighting the important role played by the industry in the fight against terrorism. Although the terrorist threat level upgrade has been described by officials only as a preventative measure, the new level means that terrorist attacks in the UK are considered highly likely. BSIA members of sections such as Police & ...

From midnight tonight identity cards can no longer be used to prove identity or to travel in Europe. The cards have been scrapped by the government under the Identity Documents Act. Within days the National Identity Register - which was designed to hold the details of card holders - will be destroyed. Laid to rest Immigration minister Damian Green said: 'Laying ID cards to rest demonstrates the government's commitment to scale back the power of the state and restore civil liberties. 'It is about the people having trust in the government to know when it is necessary and appropriate for ...

Following the publication of the results from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Retail Crime Survey 2010, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) urges retailers to up their game in the fight against retail crime by improving their in-store security and seeking advice from reputable security companies. The survey results, released earlier this week, show that the total value of goods stolen by customers has increased to £137million in 2010. This comes in spite of an 11% reduction in the overall number of offences that have taken place at the expense of retailers in the past year, ...

Damian Green tells parliament that government will not extend the order which allows a 28 day limit to hold terror suspects without charge.In the House of Commons today, Damian Green said that the maximum limit of pre-charge detention will revert to 14 days from 25 January.He added that the Home Secretary will, on Wednesday 26 January, announce to the the findings from the wider review of counter-terrorism and security powers.Exceptional circumstancesHe said: 'We are clear that 14 days should be the norm and that the law should reflect this. However, we will place draft, emerg...

An independent look at collection and publication of statistics will take place to improve public confidence, it was announced today.Theresa May also announced that the responsibility for the publication of crime statistics would move from the Home Office to an independent body.The review – led by Jil Matheson – will look for cost effective ways to improve the coverage and coherence of crime statistics.Crime statistics are made up of crimes recorded by the police and the British Crime Survey is based on interviews with the public about their experiences.Partial picture...

David St John-Claire, Business Development Director of  business support and security services provider Resourse (UK) Limited has been appointed as the ASIS UK chapter representative to the ASIS International Young Professionals Task Force. Young Professionals Mission Statement: The ASIS Young Professionals Group holds as their mission the development and education of young careerists in the security industry. The group is established upon high standards for members, ethical conduct, quality offerings, and a progressive program for the development of young professionals. The goal is to cre...

Massive investment in crime prevention has resulted in fewer incidents of most types of retail crime, according to new statistics but retailers have yet to reap the financial benefits. The British Retail Consortium's (BRC's) Retail Crime Survey 2010, published today (Monday), shows a welcome 11 per cent reduction in the overall number of offences (per 100 outlets) compared with the previous year. Shoplifting incidents were down 10.6 per cent though the total value of goods stolen was still up on the previous year. But the reduction has come at significant cost. In 2009/10, retailers were f...

A UK Border Agency sniffer dog has helped to stop seven would-be illegal immigrants from entering the country. Working with a team of officers, the body detection 'sniffer' dog discovered the men hiding in a lorry load of batteries destined for Bolton. The stowaways were refused entry to the UK and then handed over to the French Frontier Police on 5 January. The Polish registered lorry and Polish driver now each face a potential fine if they are found not to have taken adequate steps to secure the load. Good dog Buddy has previously uncovered stowaways on vehicles bound for the North West. ...

Police forces are a step closer to having equipment to test motorists suspected of drug driving, Home Office Minister James Brokenshire announced today. The Home Office has produced the specification for a new police station-based drug screening device. The document sets out what the device will do and the standards it must meet. Manufacturers will now submit devices to the Home Office for testing. If the specifications are met, a device could then be approved by the Home Secretary for use by police.Blood samples Once a screening device is approved, officers will be able to use it to te...