A Peterhead-based security company was recently fined £560 for deploying unlicensed security officers in the Grampian area.

At Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Friday [21 Jan], the court heard how Scotia Security (Scotland) Ltd, which is run by Andrew Buchan Tait, provided unlicensed security operatives to an event in July 2009.

Nemesis caught up with the five fake security officers when Police detected them working illegally as they did not hold the Security Industry Authority licences. After further investigation, the police took the case forward to the Procurator Fiscal to consider prosecution.

Peradventure you are planning to deploy unlicensed security officers to your clients; you had better listen to the warning of the SIA through its Head of Investigation Sara Hesp: "SIA licensing protects the public from unsuitable people working in positions of trust in the private security industry. We expect security companies and their employees to comply with the law at all times."

Garioch Local Policing Team Inspector Bob Thomson added:

"Grampian Police along with our partners are committed to maximising the safety of the public at licensed events.

"We work closely with companies providing services in the security industry and it is important that they understand the need for their staff to be suitably trained and licensed when undertaking licensable duties.