Date: 10th November 2008
Source: Express & Star
Man is jailed for stabbing bouncer
A knife-wielding thug who stabbed a bouncer after he had been thrown out of a pub in Wolverhampton has been jailed for two years.
Anthony Griffiths, aged 21, left the blade in the chest of his 39-year-old victim, who had ordered him out of the Queens Arms pub in Graiseley.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how the bouncer, Fidelis Idemudia, who has a child, had become aware of trouble in the pub on the night of the attack in July.
Griffiths was thrown out and became aggressive, it was said.
Mr Mark Rees, prosecuting, said: “The defendant took his top off, rushed the injured party and struck out in a punching motion with his right hand.
“The injured party felt pain straight away and saw that he’d been stabbed. The knife was still sticking in him. He pulled the knife out and went inside the pub and put it on a table.”
Police were called and Griffiths was arrested just a few metres away from the Graiseley Row pub. The victim was taken to hospital with a 1cm cut to his abdomen and was discharged after two days.
Mr Rees said he had suffered “a great deal of mental torment.”
He said: “The potential that his child could have been without a father had some considerable effect on him. He thinks that the memory of what happened to him will remain with him constantly.”
The court also heard Griffiths, who has convictions for affray and motoring offences, swore and shouted homophobic abuse at pub manager Sam Fisher.
Griffiths, of Wellington Road, East Park, admitted wounding, possession of an offensive weapon and harassment. Officials deemed him to “pose a high risk of reconviction and a high risk to the public.”
Mr Richard Atkins, defending, said Griffiths had “gone off the rails” at the age of 14 and had no recollection of the attack.
Judge Michael Challinor said: “Knife crime of this sort causes considerable public concern and courts must do all they can discourage this type of violence.”
Express & Star
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Date: 7th November 2008
Source: BBC News
Chief Executive Of The SIA Quits
The chief executive of the government body which licenses bouncers and other security workers has resigned.
Mike Wilson, head of the Security Industry Authority, stepped down after it emerged that some of its own agency staff had not been security cleared.
Last year, it emerged that the SIA had wrongly given licences to more than 6,600 illegal immigrants.
The government said there had been "some failings". The Tories called the government "staggeringly complacent".
Home Office minister Alan Campbell said plans were being made to replace Mr Wilson following "some failings" in the SIA's compliance with security clearance requirements.
He said that 38 temporary workers hired by the SIA had not received "appropriate security clearance" before starting work.
In a statement to MPs, he said: "All permanent SIA staff have confirmed security clearance.
"It became clear, however, that some agency workers had not received appropriate security clearance before commencing employment with the SIA."
Mr Campbell said the 38 workers were "removed from SIA premises and had all access to SIA systems withdrawn" while security checks were carried out.
As of 0900 GMT on Thursday, he said, 32 had received clearance and the remaining six were pending.
Mr Campbell also ordered an urgent review of any decisions taken by individuals who were not properly cleared.
The SIA authorises pub and nightclub bouncers, store security guards, CCTV operators and wheel clamping companies. It is also responsible for those employed in sensitive security posts such as bodyguards.
In October, the National Audit Office accused the authority of overspending by £17m and failing to keep track of who exactly was working in the security sector.
'Mutual agreement'
In a statement, SIA chairman Ruth Henig said Mr Wilson and the authority's board had come to a "mutual agreement" that he would step down.
"The board and I are grateful to him for all his hard work and dedication to the development of the SIA in the past year, and we wish him well," she said.
"An interim chief executive will join us shortly until a permanent chief executive is recruited in the New Year.
"Our delivery to our stakeholders will not be disrupted. Working closely with the industry and our other partners, we will continue to contribute to public protection through regulation."
Mr Wilson will leave his post on 13 November.
He was appointed in 2007 and before that had run the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and the Defence Vetting Agency.
'Major breach'
The Conservatives said Home Secretary Jacqui Smith had been "staggeringly complacent" about security and accused ministers of "ducking" responsibility.
Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said: "This is a major breach of one of the pillars of our security apparatus and the second time it has happened on this home secretary's watch.
"Yet again she has been found trying to bury bad news rather than address the root of the problem."
Mr Grieve accused the home secretary of being "fixated on gesture politics, like ID cards and 42 days" and failing to grasp security basics.
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said: "This is a rare and honourable exception to the government's rule that no-one ever takes personal responsibility for anything, however damaging the blunder.
"The only way of changing the culture of carelessness about security and personal data is by making sure that heads roll when failures happen."
BBC News
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Date: 16th October 2008
Source: The Telegraph
Bouncers run extortion rackets
Police will warn MPs this week that doormen in London and several northern cities are extorting cash from businesses despite being officially vetted and registered by the Home Office's Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, called on the agency to introduce tougher checks of door staff licences in an attempt to filter out organised criminals.
Federation vice-chairman Simon Reed said: "These people turn up at licensed premises and say 'We're going to give you door protection and you're going to pay us, or else'.
"It's being carried out by these guys who are legitimised by the SIA. SIA licensing, unfortunately, gives it a credible aspect. We know of landlords who have decided to close down and leave the business because of this problem. The SIA needs to be far more strict about who it gives these licences to."
The SIA actually relaxed its rules on handing licences to doormen with criminal records earlier this month, claiming it would bring "greater flexibility and increased fairness".
Some applicants with a criminal conviction who may have been refused before the new rules came in on October 6 may now be granted a licence if the SIA believes they are not a threat to the public.
SIA spokesman Robert Buxton said: "I was not aware of these allegations. We will take any evidence we can get from the police and we will look at it with interest."
There are currently 116,000 licensed door staff in England and Wales and since its launch in 2005 the SIA has revoked 3,700 licences and refused a further 7,300.
Details of the evidence on protection rackets will be presented to a meeting of the Commons' all-party Culture, Media and Sport select committee on Tuesday.
Last year Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, revealed the SIA had licensed up to 11,000 people who did not have the right to work in Britain.
Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said: "Barely a year after the scandal surrounding thousands of illegal immigrants being cleared by the SIA, the public will be alarmed that Labour may be unwittingly providing a safe haven for criminals to operate.
"The security industry play an important role in public safety but it is becoming apparent Labour have no grip on this whatsoever."
The Telegraph
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Date: 2nd October 2008
Source: Security Park
Rich messaging on mobile phones keeps door staff alert to trouble
Ever wondered why many of Britain's doormen and women wear a mobile phone on their hip, in its holster? Apart from the off-chance that they need to call the police or an ambulance to an incident, that is?
Well it may actually be that the mobile phones in the hands of your friendly door staff are helping them to do their difficult job, thanks to UK-developed mobile instant messaging technology.
City-watch/pub is a mobile phone-based information service that links members of the scheme with photos and incident information to increase the safety, security and comfort of customers. Using city-watch/pub, door and bar staff use mobile phones to take and share photos – and verbal descriptions - of people involved in abusive, violent or destructive behaviour instantly with all the other members of a local pubwatch scheme.
The photos enable door staff identify troublemakers before they gain access to a venue, or around a city centre, and can help to prevent problem behaviour moving between pubs and clubs throughout the night.
The advantages of city-watch/pub over the traditional walkie-talkie way of doing things is that it does away with the problems of 'talkover' and missed messages - with an instant message retrieval capability a part of the package. And, of course, there is no way for a walkie-talkie to send a picture or text. And, where police authorities are prepared to participate in the scheme, city-watch/pub users set up an Emergency Arrest Request facility. This instantly distributes photos not only to pubwatch members but also to registered police phones or control centres.
Behind all the picture-sharing there is a powerful database that, over time, helps pubwatch members proactively to exclude troublemakers. Every time an incident photo is submitted, the details and image are recorded on the database so the profile of incidents can be analysed in detail. Patterns of behaviour can be identified and predicted, and times when incidents are most likely to kick off may be identified - as well as simply counting up the number of incidents.
The database also uses the latest mapping technology, to help identify trouble hotspots and show patterns of how incidents can move between areas over the course of a night.
It all helps to link staff that witness different incidents in different places on different days or weeks – ensuring that those involved in repeat incidents are identifiable. And, of course, the data gives the police much of the information that they need to devise effective policing strategies and determine the best placement of resources – where and when they need to be.
Although the database behind city-watch/pub is quite sophisticated, the most visible element is the mobile instant messaging. To be more specific, the technology is rich messaging – 'rich' because it means people can send vocal instant messages and picture messages, as well as the standard text-based instant message.
The rich messaging technology itself comes from Palringo, a Newcastle-based company. Palringo effectively turns standard mobiles and PCs into two-way radios, using the internet as a data carrier. In fact, it might be better described as enhanced two-way radio, thanks to Palringos voice and picture messaging capabilities. Palringo uses ordinary mobile handsets, and is entirely operator-independent.
Andrew Parkes, strategic director for city-watch, said: "Typically, door and night staff used to capture evidence of anti social behaviour by taking a picture of the incident with their mobile phones and sending a MMS pict message to a control centre. The control centre, in turn, relayed details to other door staff and night watchmen in the surrounding areas, via walkie-talkie. This was neither a cost effective nor an efficient way of dealing with these kinds of situations. Speed is usually of the essence, as well as a correct description of the people involved."
"Using Palringo's technology, these problems are solved. Real time information is now sent to everyone who is part of a particular city watch group, meaning every doorman, every night watchman has not only have visual confirmation of the suspect within seconds of the incident, but can also send voice messages to each other letting the whole group know what's happening in real time. For us, the technology means we've been able to cut out the control centre, reducing costs that we've been able to pass onto our customers".
Kerry Ritz, CEO of Palringo, said: "Rich messaging mirrors the way that way people like to communicate - in words, pictures and text – so applications using it are limited only by people's imagination. Think of venue security like city-watch/pub, of home surveillance, for educational purposes in schools or on field trips, by field engineers requesting a fault diagnosis… rich messaging is useful for individuals, of course, but a great deal of business communications consist of messaging of just the sort in which Palringo specialises."
"Rich messaging isn't just another way for mobile-toting 'yoof' to communicate: 8% of the world's mobile owners already use mobile instant messaging, and up to 25% in some countries. It is a great way to communicate, for pleasure or, increasingly, for distributed businesses," he added.
Security Park
Comment on this story here.
Date: 2nd October 2008
Source: BBC News
Door staff hurt in nightclub shooting
Three people were taken to hospital following a shooting outside a nightclub in the West Midlands.
At least 40 shots were fired outside the Tropical Harmony club in Bilston.
Two door staff - a man aged 44, and a woman aged 25 - are still in hospital after the incident which took place during the early hours.
Their conditions were described as stable. The club's owner, Derrick Chambers, 46, who was shot in the neck, was later released from hospital.
Part of High Street in Bilston was closed while inquiries continued.
Detectives said the injuries of the two people in hospital were not life-threatening.
'Very, very lucky'
Elaine Dunkley said her sister Trinnet was among those shot.
She said: "Last night she was just working at the club, a gang of lads turned up at the door, they're trying to get in and the bouncers are asking them to leave.
"She then heard some shots being fired, turned round to go back into the club and realised that she'd been shot."
Ms Dunkley added: "She's going to be fine but you just can't understand people going into nightclubs carrying guns.
"She's a mum as well, she's got friends, family and to be told at 4 o' clock in the morning that your sister's been shot, that's the most devastating thing that anyone would ever wish to hear.
"She was very, very lucky, even the doctors can't stress how lucky she was.
"It went through her back and came out her side and missed all of her vital organs."
Det Ch Insp Derek Quinn, of West Midlands Police, said: "At this stage, police do not know the motive and we are not going to speculate.
"There were lots of people in the club itself and we appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information to contact us."
BBC News
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Date: 18th September 2008
Source: BII
BII Showcases Its Support For Door Supervisors
BII will be showcasing its support for door supervisors worked in the licensed trade at the fourth national Safer Doors Conference on Thursday 6th November 2008 at Bridlington Spa Royal Hall in Bridlington, East Yorkshire.
The conference is the only one in the UK specifically for the door supervision industry and invites door supervisors, line managers, directors and owners of leisure security companies, training professionals, equipment suppliers, police forces, local authorities and end users to attend. The event provides attendees with the opportunity to learn what’s new in the sector and expand their knowledge of the leisure security industry, as well as network and socialise with others.
Topics covered at the conference will include:
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getting ACS approval
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drug facilitated sexual assault
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new corporate manslaughter laws
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drug dogs in pubs and clubs
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SIA’s plans for re-training
There will be a separate exhibition running alongside the conference where delegates can have access to a vast array of providers of equipment, training and support services. BII will be exhibiting and experts from the professional body and its awarding body BIIAB will be on hand to explain all the benefits of membership and industry-related qualifications.
The event runs from 9am to 6pm and costs just £149.00 per delegate. Email Andy Walker at andy@safer-doors.co.uk
BII
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Date: 18th September 2008
Source: Manchester Evening News
Doormen's fight night bounced out of town
A boxing fight night to find Britain's `hardest doorman' has been forced out of Manchester after venues refused to stage it.
The controversial event - with 16 men fighting against each other - will now take place in Liverpool.
Glossop-based KO Promotions had approached The Ritz nightclub and other venues.
But the event attracted widespread condemnation from pub and club owners, city centre police, Manchester council and the Security Industry Authority - the regulatory body that licenses door staff.
Chris Bacon, who runs KO Promotions, said: "Because of all the controversy, everybody got scared to run it.
"And to be honest, with all the bad publicity, we didn't want to risk it, the event was nearly stopped. It's fair to say we were forced out of the city."
He defended the event - to be held at Liverpool Olympia on September 28 - saying bouncers find boxing `a good outlet and great way of keeping fit'.
He said: "This is real life. Those who say doormen can just use psychology to sort out situations, especially when someone's looking for a fight, are living in a perfect world."
But opponents say the fight night will set back the public image of doormen by years.
Coun Pat Karney, the council's city centre spokesman, is delighted the event will not be staged in Manchester.
Revolting concept
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant news. Everybody who has contacted me has said it's the most revolting concept.
"This is not the example we should be setting for young people, grown men involved in this kind of gladiatorial contest.
"It is a bonus for the city that it has gone elsewhere. It shows we have certain values.
"There is enough violence out there without encouraging doormen to be `hard'."
Michael Wilson, chief executive of the SIA, said: "This event puts the industry in a bad light and undermines the real progress made in door supervision.
"Intelligence and conflict management skills are the tools of the profession to protect the public in the 21st century - not by physical means."
Since 2005, all door staff must be licensed by the SIA or risk prosecution.
All the doormen taking part, including three from Manchester, are SIA licensed.
Door staff must pass criminal history checks and complete training courses on conflict management, emergency procedures and drug awareness.
The law is designed to stop unsuitable people from working doors.
Manchester Evening News
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Date: 11th September 2008
Source: Guardian Series
Masked gunman shoots nightspot doorman
A gunman opened fire on a doorman at South Woodford’s troubled new nightspot, Funky Mojo.
The 40-year-old security guard suffered a bullet wound to the leg after he was approached by two men with scarfs and hoods covering their faces outside the High Road venue at around 12.30am on Saturday morning.
A resident from nearby Clementine Walk, who did not want to be named, was inside the pub when the shots were fired.
He said: “There was a flurry of activity with all the doormen trying to get to the exit.
“I heard two distinctive cracks but it was a good ten minutes until everyone was told to leave.”
A girl was glassed in the face in the troubled venue three weeks ago and residents are concerned the problems will continue.
Adam Khan, of nearby Chelmsford Road, said: “It’s only been a month since it opened and already we have had numerous fights.
“It’s dreadful and everyone’s fears have been founded, what’s next for Funky Mojo?”
Bernice Van Loen, of adjacent Tempus Court, will be speaking about the troubled venue at an area two meeting on Tuesday.
She said: “They are sending people to park in the health centre next to us and the noise and litter is incredible.
“It’s bringing in a very different crowd to the one they suggested.”
Residents at the neighbouring Manor Court Lodge retirement complex also contacted the Guardian complaining about general disruption, noise and public urination, but have asked to keep their identities secret due to fear of reprisals.
One elderly resident said: “Every night I’m kept awake with the constant thumping of base.
“We have tried to talk to the people but they treat us like imbeciles.
“This used to be a quiet area, now it’s like Piccadilly Circus.”
Church End councillor Richard Hoskins raised concerns about Funky Mojo before their license was granted, and has vowed to petition the council, the police, licensing officers and public protection officers in a bid to have the decision reconsidered.
He said: “What has happened now is even worse that our greatest fears because it’s attracting people who have a great deal of money but not much sense.
“It’s no good for Woodford and it’s a blot on the horizon.”
Mojo Owner Ross Drogman said the shooting occurred after the doormen warned police about a gang of youths congregating across the street.
He added: “I think it was one of them because I can’t think who else would do it and police looked through all our CCTV and confirmed it was nothing to do with us.”
The two men, aged between 18 to 20 years, made off on foot in the direction of the A406.
Anyone with information should call north-east shootings team on: 8217 7366 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111
Guardian Series
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Date: 11th September 2008
Source: The Publican
Doorstaff pass licence check test
Only one security worker found without a licence
An investigation into doorstaff working in York has found that ninety-seven per cent hold valid licences.
The investigation, carried out by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and York City Council, involved checking 35 door supervisors at 13 pubs and clubs. Only one of the 35 failed to provide evidence of a valid licence.
It is compulsory to have and display the licence when working on the door of a licensed premises.
Lucia Howland, an SIA head of investigation, said: “The results from this operation are pleasing and it is also very reassuring for the public to know that they are in safe hands when they go out.”
Jane Mowat, director of the Safer York Partnership, added: “It is great to see that licensees in York are taking their responsibilities seriously and only employing SIA licensed staff to work in their establishments.”
The Publican
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Date: 13th August 2008
Source: Info4Security
The Instruments of Aggression
By Aran Dharmeratnam
Bottles, bricks, glasses, syringes... The UK may have a serious knife crime problem, but there are plenty of other ‘instruments of aggression’ facing security personnel that demand consideration.
At the moment, there’s a great deal of attention being paid to the UK’s significant levels of knife crime. Certainly, there has been significant media coverage of the obscene levels of violence now in our midst. In recent months, Security Management Today has also examined some of the ways in which knife culture affects the security industry.
The amount of injuries and deaths caused by knife crime clearly justifies both the public’s concerns and this increased media attention. Still, there are other forms of violence that continue to inflict misery on our society – and there are other instruments of aggression being used that we mustn’t ignore.
Saturday night on the High Street
Picture the scene... It’s Saturday night. The location? A thriving night club in the centre of a large city. The street outside is filled with people. Some are passing by. Others await taxis. Suddenly, noise can be heard. It’s not the sound of music. Rather, it’s the sound of an angry, drunken voice of someone shouting abuse. Several figures emerge from the club and it becomes clear what the shouting is about.
The situation is a typical one and passers-by don’t even look surprised. Two door supervisors are escorting an aggressive individual from the premises. The man being ‘helped’ through the doorway is firing vicious threats into the air. He tells the door supervisors he’s done nothing wrong, then he assured them he’ll make them pay for ‘roughing him up’.
Once outside the club, the man continues shouting at them. Amidst the swearing and the threats, the SIA-licensed door supervisors remain calm and professional. More explicit words are thrown their way. Then the man walks away. One way or another, though, the momentary feeling of peace will not last...
Sure enough, ten minutes later the angry man returns. This time he isn’t shouting. There is another difference, too. In his right hand he’s brandishing a brick. Seconds later he throws it. It happens quickly. It’s hard to tell if he was aiming for the club’s glass front or the security staff… either way, the next sound to be heard is shattering of glass.
Weapons used are less obvious
We need not go on with this description of an aggressive incident. This type of violence occurs frequently in cities and towns throughout the UK on a nightly basis. There’s probably a growing number of front line security staff who are more than familiar with the scenario, but there is a reason why I have set this somewhat grim scene.
Focus your attentions on the part about the brick and the shattered glass. Knife crime may be rampant, but sometimes the weapons used are less obvious. Sometimes, it’s quite unusual objects that are used by assailants.
In the situation described, the brick was used as a projectile weapon. Sometimes, objects such as this are spotted by chance and then used (though there may be premeditated situations, where the item is chosen specifically). Perhaps the aggressor has planned to smash a window to satisfy that part of their desire to express aggression or hostility. Alternatively, a robust, heavy item might be used for other criminal purposes, such as breaking and entering. Returning to this concept of the brick being used as a projectile weapon, those working in front line security positions have to be just as aware about this type of aggression as they do edged weapon scenarios.
Even if the aggressor in the above scenario was simply planning to vent his anger against the establishment itself. Even if he was simply planning to damage property, he still presented a threat to those around him. He still put lives in danger. The brick could have hit someone. The glass fragments may well have cut someone. So regardless of what he planned to do, the individual certainly posed a threat and the brick represented a weapon.
It’s also worth noting that for security staff across a range of environments, there may be situations where an individual frantically attempts to destroy property. Sometimes, the person trying to damage property does so in order to intimidate others. The destruction aimed at property could be one phase in a process of escalating aggression. Moreover, the attempt to destroy or damage property could be carried out with other designs in mind. Consider the intoxicated aggressor in a bar or club who attempts to smash a drinking glass or bottle in order to use it as a cutting implement.
Bottles as projectile weapons
Those who feel that an attack with a brick is going to be something of a rare occurrence should at least accept that bottle attacks are more prevalent. Again, the bottle makes for another projectile weapon that can be hurled at the targeted person from a distance. Alternatively, it can be used in a similar fashion to an edged weapon to cut or slash. It may also be used as an impact weapon, causing severe head injuries.
The thing with bottles is that they can be quite accessible in certain venues. Whereas someone holding a knife is recognised as a distinct, obvious threat, it may be somewhat harder to assess someone holding a bottle. In some ways, it seems ironic that outside many venues people may be searched to see if they are carrying weapons, but then once inside, people are provided with an object that could be used as a weapon! Of course, some venues may restrict the use of bottles within their premises and while this doesn’t guarantee peace, perhaps it does reduce the chances of certain types of violence from occurring. It’s hard to say.
Clearly, bottles are one of those items that can suddenly be used as a weapon. There are other items that can be turned into improvised weapons. The item itself doesn’t even have to be something that appears intimidating or especially menacing. Something like a chair or stool could be used. Then, of course, there are the more vindictive items that some aggressors may carry on them such as knuckle dusters or cro-bars.
There are some questions that need to be raised at this point. As police forces work actively to counter crime and more searches are carried out, if those found carrying a knife are treated much more harshly by the criminal justice system – and if it’s made far more difficult for young people to obtain a knife – will this in itself reduce the street-based violence? Or will aggressors look for other items to use as weapons? Is it possible that more and more improvised weapons – whether they be easy to conceal, everyday items or more obvious instruments of aggression – will start finding their way into today’s assault-based situations.
Adapting to enforcement trends
Just as the security industry has to adapt to changing times and threats both old and new, it’s also worth considering the fact that various criminals will also try and adapt to current enforcement trends. In security zones, where detection equipment is used to prevent dangerous items or possible weapons from being transported into an ‘at risk’ environment, personnel may have to be on the look-out for more deceptive weapons. After all, the weapon doesn’t have to be made of metal.
Airport security personnel are certainly among those who have to be aware of some of these devious, makeshift weapons, but even other security professionals involved in the detection process or those carrying out standard searches need to adapt to new trends as the ‘knife culture’ is tackled.
Just as Security Departments can share useful information about their experience in dealing with knife-based violence, it’s possible that they can also provide information concerning these other weapons. Through carrying out their search roles and through reporting various findings, front line staff can reveal useful information, gained out of actual experience. Those carrying out searches will be able to discover some of the ways improvised weapons are being concealed and the types of items being used.
Accident and Emergency Departments
While we have already considered some of the more typical areas where improvised weapons may be used, such as social venues and within the aviation environment, there are other places that should be mentioned. For example, in hospital environments some aggressors may try to use certain items as weapons. This could be the case in certain Accident and Emergency Departments. The aggressor could be a patient and they might be intoxicated.
With London’s new Mayor now in place, no doubt there will be those living and working within the Capital who are hoping Boris Johnson will take an active role in addressing the problem of street violence. There are already some signs that show the Mayor is ready to take action and he has been vocal in his condemnation of knife crime.
Street violence is an issue that affects everyone. It’s not just London that has to deal with this issue. The violence manifests all over the UK. For those working in the private security industry, it’s a problem that has to be addressed from various angles… Yes there is a knife problem at the moment, and a very serious one (despite the ‘official Government statistics’) but let’s not forget those other instruments of aggression.
In any event, the real problem isn’t the weapons but the people using them.
Info4Security
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Date: 13th August 2008
Source: This is Exeter
Brave doorman who wrestled gun from a clubber to get award
Southport
A doorman is getting a police bravery award for wrestling a fake gun — which he thought could be genuine — from a drunk's hand outside a Devon nightclub.
Judge Graham Cottle welcomed the police decision to formally recognise Robert Thornton's courage when he jailed Christopher Gibbons for two years at Exeter Crown Court for the incident outside the Farenheit nightclub in Exmouth.
The court heard Gibbons returned to the club with a ball-bearing gun, pointing the barrel towards Mr Thornton, after being ordered out because of his drunken behaviour.
He was intending to scare a group of men inside the club who he was unhappy with, rather than the doorman.
Later, club staff thought they saw Gibbons walking away with a shotgun and alerted officers, sparking a police helicopter chase.
Officers were forced to subdue him with a stun gun and found the hidden weapon was a samurai sword.
This is Exeter
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Date: 7th August 2008
Source: Southport Visitor
Southport doorstaff asked to wear flourescent ID bands
AUTHORITES are clamping down on rogue bouncers under a new initiative to force all door staff in Southport to wear high visibility fluorescent armbands.
The armbands were introduced across Sefton in a bid to offer reassurance to people out at night in various pubs and clubs that those on the door were fully licensed and properly trained.
Each armband will display the individual’s Security Industry Authority (SIA) identification, which makes the staff member easier and quicker to recognise for both the public - and the police.
Nick Cowell, Licensing Sergeant, Sefton Police Licensing Unit said: “Over 100 high-visibility armbands have been given to door staff at nightclubs and pubs across Sefton.
“Licensed door staff play a vital role in the management of the local night-time economy.
“This initiative, supported by Merseyside Police, helps to send a positive and reassuring message to people visiting Sefton’s night-time economy that their safety and enjoyment is of paramount importance to the authorities.”
The initiative, funded and coordinated by Sefton’s Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership, brings together key agencies including Sefton Council, Merseyside Police and Sefton PCT.
Southport Visitor
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Date: 7th August 2008
Source: Wales Online
‘Nightclub’s tattoo policy makes us feel like thugs’
A Cardiff nightclub has caused uproar after refusing to allow tattooed revellers onto the premises.
Oceana, which opened in Greyfriars Road last July, has announced that it will no longer allow entry to anyone with a large or “unsightly” tattoo.
The policy has been adopted in all the chain’s venues in the UK.
The popularity of tattoos has increased hugely in recent years thanks to celebrities like David Beckham, Amy Winehouse and Angelina Jolie.
Many believe Oceana’s policy labels everyone with a tattoo as a thug.
A group of nearly 1,700 members has been set up on Facebook, with a total of 1,217 signing up in the space of five days.
Group creator Jon Andrew, 31, said: “I was refused entry to Oceana on the basis that I had too many tattoos.
“I am not a thug or drug dealer and the fact that I have a lot of tattoos does not make me that either.
“I am a businessman, a father and an athlete.
“Do you think that David Beckham or Robbie Williams would be treated in the same manner? – I think not.”
Those with “sleeve” tattoos, which cover the full length of the arm, are being targeted the most.
People tattooed with football badges, prison numbers and offensive words and logos are also banned.
Steve Saunder, general manager of Oceana, said: “There is nothing wrong with having a fashionable or discreet visible tattoo.
“However, those covered in unsightly tattoos should save time and not bother joining the queue.”
But it is the club’s interpretation of “unsightly” that has angered some nightclubbers.
Kati Nunn, 23, a sales assistant from Cyncoed, said: “A friend of mine was refused entry to Oceana in Cardiff due to his tattoos. The apparently ‘offensive’ tattoo was a simple name on his arm.
“If they are letting people in with small tattoos, who is to say they would cause any more or less trouble than someone covered in them?
“It’s blatant discrimination.”
And the view was today supported by other Cardiff nightclubs.
Fantasy Lounge manager Dave Shepherd said: “It’s ridiculous to suggest people with tattoos cause more trouble.
“We very rarely have problems at our club from people with tattoos.
“I’ve got tattoos myself and several of the doormen do as well.
“My friends have been turned away from clubs because of tattoos but we have no problem whatsoever with them.”
Manager of Bar Risa nightclub David Lewis added: “It’s a bit prejudicial not to allow people with tattoos in.
“We have no plans to introduce a similar policy.”
Wales Online
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Date: 24th July 2008
Source: In The News
Second arrest in south London doorman death
Police have arrested a second person in connection with the death of a 28-year-old doorman in south-west London one year ago.
The 24-year-old from south Lambeth, London, was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed to return in early September.
The arrest follows an appeal made last week for people to come forward with information about the death of Kolawole Ojo Babadiya - known as Kola - in the early hours of July 15th 2007 in Wandsworth.
Kola was working as a doorman at the SW8 Bar in Wandsworth Road around 01.30 BST when he was hit by gunfire from a gunman standing nearby.
He was struck once in the head and died later that morning in hospital.
Officers announced last week that a £20,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or people responsible for Kola's death.
A 16-year-old boy from the Lambeth area was arrested on July 1st 2008 on suspicion of murder. He has also been bailed to return in early September.
In The News
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Date: 24th July 2008
Source: WtD
Safer Doors Conference 2008
- Are you a door supervisor ?
- Does your company supply door supervisors to pubs and clubs ?
- Do you train door supervisors for licensing ?
- Do you provide support services or equipment to the door supervision sector ?
- Do you use a security company to provide your door staff ?
- Do you need to know how the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is progressing ?
- Do you need to find out more about getting your company approved under the ACS ?
- Do you need to know what the SIA’s plans are for re-training?
- Do you want to learn about Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (Drug Rape) ?
- Do you want to find out more about the use of drugs dogs in pubs and clubs ?
- Do you want to hear about how the new Corporate Manslaughter laws affect your business ?
If so, then you will need to attend this premier one-day conference in Yorkshire..
This important national event, the only one in the UK specifically for door supervision, gives you the opportunity to learn all about what’s new in the sector, and to network and socialise with other leisure security professionals, equipment providers, trainers, police forces, local authorities and end-users from all over Britain, at the same time increasing your knowledge of the leisure security industry.
Wednesday the 15th October 2008, between 9am and 6 pm, at:
Bridlington Spa Royal Hall
Bridlington, East Yorkshire
YO15 3JH
If you wish to attend the conference please click here (note:pdf) for your booking form, or for more information.
Date: 17th July 2008
Source: Epsom Guardian
Anniversary appeal into bouncer's killing
Police have issued an anniversary appeal over the murder of a bouncer killed trying to protect clubbers during a shooting.
Kolawole Ojo Babadiya - known as Kola - was killed by a single gunshot wound outside the SW8 bar in the early hours of July 15, 2007.
He had been working at the club on Wandsworth Road when at 01.37am a man further down the street opened fire with a machine gun.
Officers from Operation Trident believe Kola had been trying to shield other clubbers who were standing near him when he hit once in the head by a bullet.
The 28-year-old died later that morning in hospital.
A second man, aged in his 20s, was also hurt in the shooting. He was treated for muscle tissue damage and released from hospital.
Witnesses said the gunman was wearing a long, dark coat and had been standing about 30 meters from the club's entrance when he produced a gun from under his jacket and opened fire.
A £20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution or the person or people responsible for Mr Babadiya's murder.
Detective Constable Adnan Qureshi, who is leading the investigation, said: "There is no indication whatsoever that Kola was the intended target of the attack.
"Tragically, it seems he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"I am confident about the progress of the investigation. We have made one arrest so far and are currently working on a number of significant lines of enquiry.
"But I still need the help of local people to solve this murder.
"I believe there are people who know who is responsible for Kola's murder and haven't yet come forward. If you are that person, I ask you to find the courage to speak to us, and in return I give you my assurance that the information you give will be treated in absolute confidence.
"It may be the key to justice for Kola and his family."
Anyone with information should call the Operation Trident incident room on 020 8247 4554 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A 16-year-old boy from the Lambeth area was arrested on July 1 on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed to return to a south London police station in early September.
Epsom Guardian
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Date: 14th July 2008
Source: Gazette Live
Doorman blinded in attack
A Doorman glassed in the face in a nightclub attack has been left permanently blind, police confirmed.
The 25-year-old was already blind in one eye due to a medical condition, say police, before the assault as he worked at Trader Jacks on Station Road in Billingham.
But as a result of the glassing, which happened just before 11.30pm on Saturday 5th July, he has now lost his remaining sight.
DC Dave Glass, from Stockton CID, said: “Tests now show that this man has lost his sight completely. We want to hear from any witnesses to this nasty and unprovoked attack.”
A 25-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of wounding and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Any witnesses are asked to contact DC Glass on 01642 302226 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Gazette Live
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Date: 9th July 2008
Source: Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Door staff get headcams to film troublemakers
Revellers who cause trouble at a Huddersfield town centre nightspot could end up seeing their crimes relived in court.
Doorstaff at the 850-capacity Tokyo club on Queen Street in Huddersfield town centre will wear a headcam to catch any problems on film.
This is the first time headcams have been used in such a way in the town and comes just a few weeks after local Neighbourhood Policing Teams started to wear them.
The pioneering move has been welcomed by the police who believe it will improve safety for everyone.
The company behind the venture is Industry Security UK which has used two cameras at clubs in Manchester.
These are the Ampersand and the Sugar Lounge Bar – often frequented by Manchester United stars.
Bal Dhaliwal, director of Industry Security UK, said the headcams had worked well in Manchester.
He said:“There is a real problem with gang culture there.
“What we discovered is that gang members don’t want to be on any cameras at all, so they simply stopped going to the clubs.
“From my 15 years experience in the industry we see using them at Tokyo more as a deterrent.
“We will be wearing high visibility jackets that state You Are On Camera on the front so no-one can be in any doubt that we are filming them.’’
He said the doorstaff wearing the headcam will walk up and down the line of people queueing outside. Any who step out of line inside the club could then be more easily identified.
The headcam will also be used when people are searched for drugs or are ejected from the club to show that staff are not being heavy-handed.
Staff from Industry Security UK look after other venues in the town centre and may well use headcams there in the future.
Mr Dhaliwal said:“Tokyo is the first venue in Huddersfield to introduce headcams.
“When other venues see how successful they are in making it a safer night out for everyone then others may follow. We are here to make the town centre a safer place.
“If there is an incident, the member of doorstaff with the headcam will stand back and film it while colleagues deal with the problem.
“It will all be caught on camera so we will have an accurate record of exactly what’s happened.’’
Tokyo manager Andy Pritchard said: “The headcams will make the jobs of both the doorstaff and the police a lot easier and that’s why we want them to be used here at the busiest venue in the town centre.’’
A spokesman for Pubwatch in Huddersfield town centre said: “It will be interesting to see the feedback from this which can only enhance Tokyo’s reputation.
“We now live in a CCTV culture where people’s first response is to say ‘I didn’t do it’, but the camera tells a different story.
We believe that 99.99% of people have a great night out in Huddersfield and it is only a very tiny minority who cause problems.
“I think in time headcams will become standard in the larger bars, but will perhaps be too costly for the smaller ones.’’
Kirklees licensing enforcement officer Pc David Micklethwaite said: “The 15 headcams worn by the police are being very effective – especially when officers arrive at first at domestic incidents as they capture the victim’s fear and the state of the house.
“We also use them in Huddersfield town centre on Friday and Saturday nights. We would certainly welcome the move to introduce them at town centre nightspots.
“Anything that makes nights out safer can only be seen as good.’’
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
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Date: 8th July 2008
Source: Reading Evening Post
Doorman ‘sacked’ for being too short
A 5ft 6in bouncer claims he has been told he can no longer work at a town centre bar because he’s too short.
Experienced doorman Ian Weaver says he was sacked from working the door at new trendy nightspot Sakura for being “too small to do the job”, a claim employer Hyline Security denies.
Mr Weaver, of Jubilee Square, Reading, had been doing five shifts a week at the Gun Street club until, he says, his head doorman informed him by text that a man of his ‘height’ was no longer required.
He said: “When I challenged the head doorman as to the reason why there were no more shifts, he told me it was because I was too small to work at the venue.
“I have been working as a door supervisor for nine years and to be told I’m not good enough to work the door in my own town because of my size really puts me down.”
Mr Weaver continued: “The management think they need big meatballs who can intimidate people.
“Because I haven’t got the right look – I’m not a skinhead and I don’t wear a bomber jacket – they think I can’t do the job.”
But Tony Howell, general manager of security firm Hyline Security, which manages the door at Sakura, vehemently denied the allegations.
“This is total rubbish,” he said. “We have a strict company structure and we would never discriminate anyone on the grounds of height.
“We have cut the number of door staff at Sakura from 12 to eight because the students have gone home for the summer and the venue is quieter.
“Ian has not been sacked. Head doormen do not have the right to do that.”
But the 28-year-old says he fears that height discrimination is becoming widespread in the town centre.
“It’s not just myself. This kind of thing has been happening all over Reading, especially since the later licences have come in.
“I had been working at another town centre bar for a year when the door manager said I was too small and too friendly.
“It’s simply not fair people like myself are being told we are not good enough to do door work in our own town because of our size.”
The former Prospect School pupil, who tops the scales at 15-and-a-half stone, says his size has never affected his work.
““The only time it is an issue is when a venue is packed and it can take me a tiny bit longer to get to the danger because I can’t see over people’s heads.”
Mr Weaver does one night a week on the door of the Pitcher & Piano in Friar Street as well as his day job for Phoenix Security, which handles security at the Broad Street Mall.
Reading Evening Post
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Date: 7th July 2008
Source: Bristol Evening Post
Nightclub gunman jailed
A gunman who shot at a Bristol nightclub doorman after being barred must serve at least three years in jail.
Rangano Powell was ejected from Antix nightclub in Park Street when staff suspected he was involved in the use of drugs, Bristol Crown Court heard yesterday.
Six days later he returned at 4am, was barred entry, and calmly fired a handgun towards Henzel Smith. The bullet lodged in the club's glass door.
Powell, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
The 27-year-old was told he must serve a minimum term of three years and 13 weeks before being eligible to be considered by a parole board for release as part of an indefinite sentence for public protection.
The Honourable Mr Justice Mackay told him: "This was a blatant and senseless piece of criminality displaying a lack of thinking on your part."
The judge watched CCTV footage capturing the moment when Powell calmly raised his arm and discharged the weapon before walking back with the pistol at his side towards his Citroen Picasso car and driving off.
Michael Cullum, prosecuting, said Powell fled to Jamaica for 10 months and was arrested in November last year when police boarded his flight back to Gatwick.
Mr Cullum added that although a 6.35mm cartridge case was recovered from the scene of the shooting the conventional self-loading pistol used by Powell was not recovered.
Powell had previous convictions which included the attempted robbery of a chemist shop in Easton when he was aged 15 in which he held a gun to the head of a female assistant and fled when she pushed the panic button.
Dean George, defending, that his client, who had been a regular user of drugs and alcohol had had his throat slit in the past and had become extremely paranoid, carrying a gun for his own protection.
He said father-of-two Powell had simply tried to get into the Bristol club and the offence was a spur of the moment thing rather than pre-meditated
Bristol Evening Post
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Date: 4th July 2008
Source: BBC News
Footballer hit doorman with handbag
A Championship footballer has been fined £2,450 after hitting a nightclub doorman with his girlfriend's handbag in Plymouth last November.
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and a public order offence outside the Candy Store club.
The court heard Greg Smith, 37, suffered a 3in (7.6cm) cut to his head.
The former Plymouth Argyle player was told he was of previous good character and given credit for pleading guilty.
Click below to view the incident caught on CCTV
Fracas outside
The 22-year-old striker, of Renaissance Gardens, Plymouth, was a member of the Plymouth Argyle squad at the time of the incident.
He was ejected from the Candy Store with friends at about 0400 GMT on 11 November and an argument started on the pavement outside.
Prosecuting barrister David Gittins said CCTV footage showed Ebanks-Blake holding "something over his head" which he hit the doorman with.
He said: "It was his girlfriend's handbag. Having been ejected from the club there was a fracas. We do not know what was in the handbag.
"There was a two to three inch cut on the man's head."
At Plymouth Crown Court, Judge Francis Gilbert QC said he was a man of previous good character and gave him credit for pleading guilty.
Judge Francis Gilbert QC fined Ebanks £1,000 for the charge of actual bodily harm, £300 for the public order charge, ordered to pay £500 compensation to the doorman he injured, and pay £650 prosecution costs.
BBC News
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Date: 30th June 2008
Source: News and Star
Man Jailed For Attack On Doorman
A violent attack on a bouncer in Carlisle was inspired by a day spent drinking “gallons” of beer, a court heard.
David Alan Archibald, aged 27, of Beverley Rise, Harraby, was yesterday jailed for 18 months for the assault.
He approached the Litten Tree pub in Botchergate, with another man on November 18 last year, prosecutor Alan Lovett told Carlisle Crown Court.
The other man was barred from the pub, but Archibald was allowed inside by bouncer Thomas Smith to get his jacket.
While Mr Smith was keeping an eye on the second man, Archibald came up behind him and punched him, fracturing his nose.
He then fled down Botchergate, before being caught by police and arrested.
When asked how much he had drunk, he told officers that he had consumed “gallons” of beer at a christening.
Archibald was in court for sentencing yesterday, having admitted to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on May 19.
Malcolm Dodds, defending, told the court that since the incident Archibald’s life had been turned “upside down” when he threw himself off a scaffold.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Sentencing, Recorder Roderick Carus told Archibald: “The courts are not allowed to let people like you go on and on. You have got a history of attacking people in drink and in this case Mr Smith had been trying to do his job.”
News and Star
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Date: 25th June 2008
Source: Crimewatch
Doorman Murder In Ilford - Can You Help?
Watch CCTV footage of the suspected killers of Zahib Mehdi.
On 1 March 2008, Zahib Mehdi was murdered while working as a doorman at the Blue Ice Bar in Ilford. He was shot three times.
The gunman was wearing a white hooded top and dark trousers. CCTV clearly shows him approach the club, pick out his target and fire. He is then seen running away.
Shortly before the attack, the suspect is seen walking up and down Cranbrook Road. At Ilford train station, he approaches a group of men and seems to ask for directions. Police urgently want to trace these witnesses.
The suspect then walks back the way he came and past another bar before disappearing down a side street. He soon re-appears and crosses the road, heading toward the Blue Ice Bar. When the suspect runs off after the shooting, he passes a number of witnesses and police want to speak to anyone who saw the suspect running away from the scene
Think you can help?
Contact: Metropolitan Police
Phone: 020 8733 4704
More information can be found on the Crimewatch Website
Date: 23rd June 2008
Source: Manchester Eveining News
Bust-up over 'hardest doorman' contest
A fight night to find Britain's 'hardest doorman' has been slammed.
Sixteen bouncers will box against each other for the title and a prize of £10,000 at The Ritz nightclub, Manchester, in an event staged by Glossop-based KO Promotions.
A website promoting the event, to be held in September, says there will be 15 fights with ringside seats advertised at £45 and standard seats £35.
But the Security Industry Authority , the regulatory body that licenses door staff, condemned the event.
It has spent years working to improve the public image of doormen and all those fighting on the night are SIA licensed.
The manager of The Ritz said they would not hold the event unless it got approval from the authorities.
But Michael Wilson, chief executive of the SIA, said: "I am disappointed.
"It puts the industry in a bad light and undermines the real progress made in door supervision.
"Intelligence and conflict management skills are the tools of the profession to protect the public in the 21st Century - not by physical means."
Pat Karney, Manchester council's city centre spokesman, also hit out at the event.
"We need this like a hole in the head," he said.
"There's enough macho violence in the world without encouraging it.
"I hope that none of the bouncers involved are from Manchester."
Phil Burke, from the Manchester Pub and Club Network, said the event could set Manchester's reputation back 'by years'.
He added: "We've worked hard on ridding Manchester of its thuggish image and this will not help. I'd urge The Ritz to have a rethink about hosting it."
Police have also hit out at the planned brawl.
Registered
Manchester City Safe Inspector Ron Orr said: "We do not condone events that are seeking to display violent behaviour. "Registered SIA door staff are a vital ingredient in ensuring that Manchester is a safe place for people to come and enjoy the city's nightlife.
"It appears from this planned event that door staff are being encouraged to behave in an aggressive manner which contradicts their roles and responsibilities.
"By taking part in this event it goes against the aim that doorman are there to stop violent behaviour from happening."
KO Promotions, which has a boxing gym based in Stalybridge boasting trainers who have worked with Ricky Hatton and Michael Gomez, also runs `white collar' boxing events and corporate hospitality events.
No one from the firm was available to comment.
David Dickinson, chief executive of the British Security Industry Association, which provides equipment for the industry, said: "Licensing and regulation has produced a far more professional door supervision sector with many people striving to leave the image of `hardness' behind and replace it with that of professionals that do their job and pride without recourse to violence."
Since 2005, all door staff working in England and Wales must be licensed by the SIA or risk prosecution. The licence costs about £200 and lasts for three years. The door staff must pass criminal history checks and complete training courses on conflict management, emergency procedures and drug awareness.
The law is designed to stop unsuitable people from working doors.
When approached by the M.E.N. Sean Cullen, general manager of The Ritz, denied that the event had been given the green light.
He said: "We've been approached for quotes and prices but until we speak to the authorities nothing is confirmed."
Manchester Evening News
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Date: 23rd June 2008
Source: Shields Gazette
Doorman angry at licence delays
A South Shields doorman has not been able to work because of a delay in renewing his licence.
Stephen Dunn initially sent his badge to the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to be renewed in March only for it to be sent back because he failed to supply the correct information.
He sent the correct version back the same day - May 12 - and was told his application would be fast-tracked.
But Mr Dunn, from South Shields, is still waiting and currently cannot work, which means no money is coming in.
And he said other doormen are suffering similar problems.
The father-of-two, who chose to work nights to fit with caring for his mum during the day, said: "You do everything by the book to try and get things sorted, but it just feels as though you have a big mountain to climb.
"If I knew it was going to be such a big problem I would have sent it off sooner.
"But it just seems, from talking to other door staff, it doesn't matter how far in advance you apply for your licence renewal, you are still waiting to hear back when your badge has expired."
A spokesman for the SIA - which regulates the private security industry - said applicants can renew their licence up to four months before it expires and can take between six-eight weeks to be processed.
But they admitted there have been problems and apologised for the delay.
He added: "We initially received Mr Dunn's renewal application at the end of March; one week prior to his current licence expiring.
"It was rejected, as he didn't send any documents in, we received his new application, which is currently being processed.
"There have been delays in our processing of licence applications and it has been difficult to get through to our contact centre.
"We have been working hard to resolve these issues.
"Progress has been made, but it has not been as rapid as we had hoped.
"Again, we apologise for the poor service provided in recent months but we are working to making this right."
Shields Gazette
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Date: 16th June 2008
Source: EADT
Door staff Praised
A CLUB owner today praised his door staff after they quickly ushered patrons inside as a man pointed a gun at them.
Armed police were called to Ipswich Street, Stowmarket when a man was seen brandishing the gun opposite the club.
The drama unfolded in the early hours of yesterday, when more than 400 people were inside Jokers nightclub.
A member of the public is believed to have spotted a man getting out of a car near the nightclub before reaching inside the vehicle and taking out a rifle.
Police were called and seconds later staff at the club saw a man standing near the Regal cinema opposite pointing the gun at them.
Richard Roper, who owns the club, said: “It was a dreadful experience.
“Immediately my staff got everybody inside and shut the door. Their first thought was to make sure everybody was safe.
“As they were getting them in I believe the police car pulled up.
“Nobody in the club had any knowledge of what was going on at all.”
Alex Fairfull, from Stowmarket, a patron who was outside the club at the time, said: “The bouncers came running out and grabbed us and just chucked us into the club.
“The club was packed and the bouncers were excellent. They were all on the doorstep getting people inside and they knew someone had a gun.
“Then there were two police cars at the front and armed officers came bounding out.”
Suffolk police were called at 1.24am and an armed response unit arrived within a few minutes.
Inspector Bruce Gent said: “The report was of a man pointing some sort of rifle or weapon in the direction of door staff at a nightclub. There were three or four door staff outside and between 20 and 30 members of the public.
“Just as we arrived he made off in a vehicle.”
He said officers located a vehicle soon after in Finborough Road opposite the playing field.
He added: “An air rifle has been seized. No shots were discharged, nobody was harmed.”
Mr Roper said the man is not believed to have had any link with the club and he commended his staff for acting calmly under the circumstances and said: “I'm impressed with my staff and how they dealt with the situation. I've been told it was very professional.
“My staff were a bit shaken up. I'm so pleased there was somebody sensible in the car park who made the phone call to the police.”
A 36-year-old man from Stowmarket was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence and driving with excess alcohol.
EDAT
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Date: 12th June 2008
Source: Plymouth Herald
Licence fiasco for door staff
Dozens of Plymouth door staff are expected to file claims for thousands of pounds in compensation after huge delays held up the renewal of their licences.
Many of the door supervisors at Plymouth clubs and pubs were unable to work for weeks following the gaffe by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The SIA apologised to city door staff at a Clubwatch meeting, and now the Government says it will consider compensation claims 'on a case-by-case basis'.
Plymouth police's licensing department has also offered to help the SIA 'fast-track' applications, but has warned door staff that if they work unlicensed, even due to the delay, they will be prosecuted – '“with a heavy heart'.
One Plymouth doorman said he was £2,000 out of pocket as a result, and would definitely make a claim.
Others are thought to be have been even more seriously affected, and some are still not able to return to work.
Nationally, thousands of doormen have been affected, with 346 still stuck in the system last month – six months after the administrative foul-up which led to the delays.
Problems started when door supervisors tried to renew their SIA 'badges', a legal requirement for working on the doors which must be done every three years.
Renewals, which cost £245, can be applied for up to four months in advance, and many door staff did this.
The normal turn-around period is nine weeks, but delays of 15 to 16 weeks, and in some cases much longer, were caused when the London-based SIA moved a subcontracted 'management service provider' from Newcastle to Liverpool last year.
Tom Hill, an SIA investigator, told door staff at this month's Clubwatch meeting, that documents had been lost during the move, affecting applications which were received in October and November.
“The SIA recognises that because of the issue of long delays, some people in the industry have lost money”, he said.
“The last thing we want is for people to lose money because of delays. If you can show evidence you have lost money, people have been granted compensation.”
Plymouth doormen said MP Linda Gilroy had even supported their licence claims – but without result.
Khalid Magouti, who works at Union Street's Jesters nightspot, waited six months for his licence to arrive, despite the renewal fee being taken from his account.
He said 'loads' of Plymouth doorstaff had been affected and added. “It's my only job.”
Martin Agus, of Plymouth's Event Security South West, called the SIA's service ridiculous and said: “I'm still waiting for my licence. My application has been fast-tracked.”
Michael Clifton, also of Event Security, waited more than seven months for his badge – and even when it arrived he had to pay postage.
He has lost £2,000 in earnings and said six of his 25 staff had been severely affected.
“Some will be applying for compensation, definitely,” he said.
Tracey Hosken, boss of Varsity at Derry's Cross, said: “It's a big issue. For some doormen it's their only job.”
Police licensing Sgt Martin Worthington said he had 'every sympathy' for door staff caught in the system. “My department will do everything we can to get the applications through”, he said, but warned that unlicensed door staff, and the venues employing them, were committing an offence, and would be visited by police
Plymouth Herald
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Date: 9th June 2008
Source: BBC News
Door staff to wear glowing jackets in Derby
Door staff at pubs and clubs in Derby city centre will be wearing jackets that glow in the dark in a move to decrease alcohol-related disorder.
More than 50 bouncers have been given high-visibility jackets as part of an operation by Derbyshire Police and Derby Pubwatch.
Operation Relentless started on Monday for a period of eight weeks to help tackle alcohol-related crime.
The jackets will make the door staff become more easily identifiable.
The police said the aim was to make pub and club goers feel safer.
UV lights have also been distributed via Pubwatch to help identify fake identity cards.
Sergeant Katie Andrews of Derby police's licensing team said: "Often it can be hard to identify who exactly is supervising the door and the security in premises for both the public and the police.
"It will also allow CCTV operators to identify people in the event of any disturbance and ultimately we hope it helps with the overall feeling of safety for customers."
Operation Relentless will continue till 27 July to tackle alcohol fuelled violence, illegal supply of alcohol and problems with under-age drinking.
BBC News
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Date: 6th June 2008
Source: Morning Advertiser
Doorstaff hit by more SIA delays
Processing delays meant 346 Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences, including those for doorstaff, were stuck in the system last month.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith stressed the SIA would consider compensation for licence holders “on a case by case basis”.
And she revealed the SIA has new systems in place to ensure important documents don’t get lost.
Smith was quizzed about delays in licence applications and renewals by her Tory counterpart David Davis in Parliament.
The MA has previously reported the SIA had taken up to 12 weeks to process some applications, leaving some qualified doormen unable to work the doors legally.
Smith said: “As at 13 May, there were 346 cases at various stages of processing which were unable to progress further as a result of problems with the managed service provider system.
“The SIA are in contact with the individuals concerned as the majority of these cases require information to be re-submitted, which is currently missing from the system.
“Most other cases are moving systematically, albeit more slowly than normal, through the process."
She added: “If individuals have suffered financial loss as a direct result of processing delays, the SIA will consider compensation claims on a case by case basis.
“The SIA have informed us that they are aware that there have been some incidents in the past where documents have gone missing in the postal system, which have been dealt with on a case by case basis.”
Smith said that to ensure details aren’t lost, all documents received by the SIA are handled in a secure area and a new courier system delivers all documents direct to the applicant.
Morning Advertiser
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Date: 5th June 2008
Source: York Press
Drug-test doormen call
A former director of a York security firm has called for all pub and nightclub doormen to be tested for drugs.
Deane Hibbert, a former director of Full Stop Security, which supplies doormen to a number of bars and takeaways in York, believes all door staff should have to take a compulsory drugs test before they are employed.
He claims it would bring the profession into line with similar professions.
"My concerns are that our longstanding profession has always been steeped with criminality and issues around door staff and other security staff being involved in soliciting the sale of contraband substances which are illegal under UK law," he said.
"What the security profession doesn't make provision for like for is random drug testing as a condition of employment as in the case of the police.
"I think it would be fair to assume that there are individuals within our security networks who indulge in and sell illegal substances while carrying out their duties in their various places of employment.
"All you need to do is go out in York on a Friday or Saturday night to see how grotesque some of the door supervisors appear - muscle bound, full of negative attitude and aggression.
"Many people seem to know what goes on but don't seem interested enough to challenge such behaviours. My challenge to York Council would be to research the issue and implement strategies to combat this ever increasing problem before it's too late to save our community from this epidemic."
York Press
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Date: 2nd June 2008
Source: Info4Security
Security Excellence Awards 2008
Security Management Today, Security Installer and info4security are proud to host this established awards programme designed to raise the profile of the industry, while promoting and rewarding those individuals and companies achieving the very highest standards and outstanding success.
Acknowledged as the ‘Oscars’ of the security world, this glittering night celebrates the industry’s best practitioners and projects and is the biggest annual networking opportunity for anyone involved in security. Trophies will be presented to the winners in each category who have showcased the very best solutions and initiatives in security management, installation, manufacturing and guarding.
In addition to the formal awards presentation, the Security Excellence Awards is well k
