I4S video: Retailers seek action over “lawless” streets as Corps Security briefs officers

As many of you will have witnessed by accessing the national media, mindless violence during the past few days has resulted in shops being wrecked, looted and set on fire.

Justifiably, retailers are now calling for intelligence-led information to help them protect their properties. They also want reassurances that those found to be responsible for vandalism and theft will be suitably punished.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has outlined a number of critical issues which it wants to raise on behalf of retailers and put directly to Home Secretary Theresa May. These include:

• firm assurances that the police and fire services are adequately resourced and equipped, and that they’re authorised to use “robust” operational tactics to close down situations quickly
• assurances that there will be resolute pursuit of offenders with effective prosecutions (in contrast to the situation that pertained with West End protests earlier this year)
• immediate support to help shopkeepers protect their properties, including timely intelligence and practical assistance in securing and clearing up after attacks
• early discussions on how affected communities can be helped to recover, given the likelihood that a significant number of small shops will fail following these attacks
• joint discussions with the insurance industry to ensure affordable insurance remains available in the affected areas and more widely to the sector
• joint discussions with the banks to ensure short to medium term credit arrangements enable retailers to refit and re-open

Shocking levels of lawlessness

British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson explained: “The shocking levels of lawlessness breaking out across the UK are hitting the very hearts of our communities. The police have shown great courage in facing the vandals, but it’s imperative retailers know that resources and plans are in place to prevent any repeat of this trouble.”

Robertson continued: “Targeting local shops as an expression of anger and frustration is mindless. These criminal acts destroy community resources, hurting local businesses and threatening jobs. Staff are being intimidated and traumatised. Those responsible must be prosecuted and punished. Retailers and their staff are particularly vulnerable and need protecting.”

As well as the immediate bills caused by damage and theft, there will be longer-term costs. Robertson stressed: “Inevitably, some businesses which have been attacked will never open their doors again. Banks need to offer good credit arrangements to those targeted so as many as possible have a chance to refit and reopen.”

In conclusion, the BRC’s leader stated: “I’m reassured that many people have expressed their disgust at the events of the past few days. I hope they’ll join retailers in doing all they can to rebuild their neighbourhoods.”

Special security bulletin issued to Corps Security staff

Due to the abhorrent behaviour we’ve seen on the streets of the UK off late, Corps Security’s principal consultant Mike Bluestone – chairman of The Security Institute – has issued a special security bulletin for the company’s staff.

Indeed, the advice offered is sound and applicable across all private sector security companies.

“The current street disorder and anti-social behaviour is taking a major toll on the police’s ability to respond to calls for urgent assistance. Colleagues need to be aware that, in certain areas of the UK and in certain circumstances, the response time of the police service will be much longer than usual.”

Bluestone continued: “All security team colleagues and site management personnel are urged to note the following tips:

• security officers to pay special attention to access control, and in particular to the unusual movement of groups of individuals, youths and others who would not normally be seen in the area
• wherever possible, keep external doors locked until bona fide persons need to access or egress
• remove any items for the perimeter of the premises which could be used as weapons (eg wood, metal items, etc)
• where protective blinds are in place keep them drawn to prevent persons glaring in to the premises
• keep fire extinguishers and First Aid kits close to hand
• ensure that two-way radios are fully charged
• check good locations for internal ‘invac’ of personnel
• remove high value assets from prominent locations and away from windows
• use your local contacts to share information about any likely street disorder in your area (also, speak with security managers at neighbouring premises in and around the area)
• tune in constantly to Sky News or BBC News
• call the police in the event of any need for urgent assistance

In closing, Bluestone states: “Remember… Do not hesitate. Do not be complacent and stay vigilant at all times”

Home Secretary condemns the rioters

Home Secretary Theresa May has warned the rioters they will face the consequences of their actions.

May condemned the violence that has plagued streets in some parts of London and spread elsewhere in the country.

The Home Secretary also pledged that those involved in the disturbances would face robust policing and the consequences of their actions.

In doing so, May called upon communities to play their part in helping to bring calm back to the Capital’s streets.

She said: “We can deal with it [the rioting and looting] with robust policing and with the help of local communities. If there’s anybody who knows someone who was out on the streets and may have been involved in criminal behaviour, they should tell the police.”

May explained that the police service is adapting tactics to deal with disturbances and has met with senior commanders ‘to ensure they have what they need’.

450 arrests in London

More than 450 people have been arrested in London, and more arrests are being made this morning.

At least 70 people have already been charged in the Capital. Other forces – notably West Midlands in Birmingham – have made “a significant number” of arrests.

May said that extra courts and a ‘virtual court’ will be used in London to deal with cases on an immediate basis.

The Home Secretary paid tribute to the 6,000 “brave men and women” who are putting themselves in harm’s way.

“We need to make sure intelligence is used properly,” stated May. “This is about criminality, and the police being able to protect the public and follow that through. They’ll be working through CCTV footage and witness statements.

May is convinced that “we can bring an end to this situation with robust policing and the help and support of local communities.”

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