Over the years we have been on the case of substandard Security Officers and how they represent our Industry as one of the most under paid but extremely unprofessional, albeit British Standards and the introduction of the SIA seem to have done very little to improve this status.

Lockdown for us has been extremely busy, yet getting staff is near impossible! We can get, would be applicants with 10 years’ experience and an SIA license, but quite frankly 96.5% arrive with little or no understanding of Security and what it is we actually do, how is this?

It’s well thought that the owners of SIA licenses whilst genuine have not actually attended any tuition and the test they need to obtain a license has been manipulated to pass all candidates thus, producing persons who posses a security license but have no idea about the job or what it entails, although the claims of all applicants is that, “I’ve done the job for years” the standard is below poor, in our opinion.

We strive daily to improve the conditions and pay of our staff but we are thwarted by the on set of those needing work and unscrupulous training companies putting forward substandard staff to be employed into our industry, it really doesn’t take the brain of Einstein to figure out if an applicant is experienced and has the under-pining knowledge to protect persons and property when on duty.

Since the lockdown began, we have interviewed scores of staff and of those over the past 12 weeks we have employed 3, we actually need 23 but we cannot find applicants with the required skill set and we are no different to our competitors or are we?

In today’s world, we all use social for keeping in touch with family and friends and updating them on what we’re doing but it could also be putting our valuables at risk.

Since the lockdown you may have noticed an increase in home and vehicle break-ins . It is obvious criminals are seeking to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some UK celebrities’ names you may recognise have been targeted such as Comedian Alan Davies who had a burglar try to break into his home during lockdown. Also, footballer Dele Alli was robbed at knifepoint at his home with watches and jewellery worth thousands of pounds stolen.  

However, what you decide to post on social media can give burglars a lot of the information they need to plan a burglary on your home from details of the possessions you own (did you post pictures or updates about your new expensive watch?) to where you live (geo tags and pictures of your property) as well as the times you’re in and away from home.

Do you “check in” to places such as airport lounges and train stations? This gives a burglar the go ahead that your home will be empty for a prolonged period giving plenty of time to gain entry to your property and steal all of those expensive items you’ve been showing off online.

Tips on how to prevent yourself from falling victim to these criminals:

1. Don’t share your personal details such as your address.