Immigration Minister Mark Harper has joined with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to call on international partners to redouble efforts against human trafficking. Speaking at a joint FCO and Home Office event on human trafficking, he outlined work the government is undertaking to tackle this crime, both in the UK and overseas. This includes: work with embassies and high commissions of key source countries collaboration between the Metropolitan Police, the Romanian National Police and the Romanian Embassy to share intelligence work by Border Force officials to identi...

An innovative pan-European operation to combat the trafficking of human beings from West Africa was carried out by law enforcement authorities in nine European countries yesterday evening and early this morning. The operation was aimed at targeting Nigerian criminal networks operating across Europe. As part of the operation, led by Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) and coordinated by Europol and Europol’s Liaison Officers from the participating Member States and third countries, acting together from Europol’s Operations Room in The Hague, the Netherlands, places of prostitutio...

Business leaders from across Scotland were given an exclusive insight this week into the security challenges they face at a brand new event organised by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the trade body representing over 70% of the UK’s private security industry. Entitled Scotland: Secure for Business, the comprehensive seminar programme included presentations on the impact of forthcoming reforms to Scotland’s emergency services and the opportunities presented by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, as well as the threats presented by cyber crime and metal theft. Officia...

An international drugs smuggling network responsible for trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs into and out of Spain has been dismantled. Long-running Operation Capea, led by Spain’s Guardia Civil in Navarra, was coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, working in cooperation with French and Dutch law enforcement authorities. For years, this organised criminal group from Navarra was the main importer of speed (amphetamine sulphate) to Spain. They would receive consignments of cannabis resin, shipped in horse transporters, from another criminal group in Valencia. Once rece...

In just three weeks time the country will go to the polls to elect their PCC, giving people a direct say in how their streets are policed and how crime is tackled in their area. Voters will be able to find out all they need to know about each and every potential PCC when the www.choosemypcc.org.uk website is updated with each candidate's vision for policing in their local area on Friday. 'Get out on 15 November and vote' Prime Minister David Cameron said: 'My message for these elections is clear. If you want more tough policing, you can get it. 'If you want police officers who a...

The last Sunday of October brings with it two things – the official end of our British Summer Time (BST) and the start of prolonged hours of darkness. In light of this change to our daily routines, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is reiterating to homeowners and businesses the importance of staying safe during this winter season. Since properties are left in darkness for longer, they can become more vulnerable to opportunistic crime. However, by simply ensuring that effective security measures are in place, the risk of our festive spirits being dampened can be reduced signi...

The next Small Business Network meeting will be held on 28 November 2012 in central London. This is the tenth meeting, and it is being organised and facilitated by representatives from the Small Business Network, with the support of the Security Industry Authority. The event is open to delegates directing, managing or operating in small businesses with up to 250 employees. The meeting is an opportunity for delegates to hear the latest developments affecting the industry and for attendees to share their opinions. Places are limited and there will be a small cost to cover catering. If y...

Baroness Ruth Henig, Chairman of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) was recognised with a special Building the Future award for significant contribution to the regulated security sector at last night’s Security Excellence Awards (SEA). The award was presented by Interconnective Ltd MD Bobby Logue and Brian Sims, Media Solutions Manager for UBM Live’s Security Portfolio. Under the leadership of Baroness Henig, the Security Industry Authority, has significantly improved over the past six years. Today well over 90% of Security Industry Authority licences are issued within the target tim...

MITIE Total Security Management were crowned as the 2012 Security Guarding Company of the Year last night, at the “Security Industry Oscars”, officially known as the Security Excellence Awards.  ETDE FM were crowned the Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS) Champion of the Year: The well-attended glittering event, which is held annually to determine the security industry’s finest, was held at London’s Hilton Hotel on Park Lane. The 18 other worthy winners of the Security Excellence Awards included; IT Initiative of the Year: G4S Cash Solutions (UK)...

Three men have been ordered to pay £11,000 for "fraud" after providing false information to gain accreditation to a government private security accreditation scheme. Hanzal Nazeer, Liaquat Ali and Salman Shaukat ran security firm E Security Limited which was based at Cariocca Business Park in Manchester. In July 2011, the company applied for membership of the Security Industry Authority's Approved Contractor Scheme. SIA enquires revealed that the men provided false information to the SIA about the company's trading status, its employees, and its contracts. Shaukat, 33, of Barry R...