Security Alert at Parliament as Westminster Brought to a Standstill

Security Alert at Westminster Palace as Suspect ‘device’ found

A mobile phone and drinks bottle sparks security alert at The houses of Parliament, Westminster brought to a temporary standstill as roads are cordoned off and people advised not to use mobile phones near suspected device. James Kirkup, Political Editor at The Telegraph reports:

• A section of the Palace of Westminster in the shadow of Big Ben was evacuated in a brief security alert after an X-ray detected a mobile phone and a drinks bottle.
• Police and security officers cordoned off a section of the Parliamentary estate around New Palace Yard, next to the base of the clock tower.
• One officer said the alert was triggered after an X-ray operator at the Parliament visitor centre detected what appeared to be a mobile phone connected to a liquid bottle in a bag.
• Specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police, wearing rubber gloves, were called and inspected the package.
• It transpired that the phone was not connected to the bottle.

The security alert comes just 2 months after it was announced that cutbacks had to be made to the security budget, and that some of the policing roles at The Palace of Westminster would be replaced by private security contractors. Although the Met Police would continue to have an armed presence at Parliament. Some MPs have expressed their concerns that security companies may employ agency staff, who have had little training and not yet completed vetting.

Police at the palace warned people not to use their mobile phones “for your own safety”, the roads around Parliament square were closed off to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from passing in front of the Houses of Parliament. A 30 meter cordon was in place across the square to keep tourists away from the suspected device. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “There is a security alert. We have no further details.”

A spokesman from local London security company, Westminster Security commented: “MPs have every right to be concerned for their personal safety, they should be able to go about their daily duties without the worry that their safety is being compromised due to budget cutbacks. You seen what happened at the London Olympics, who’s to say that won’t happen again, but with fatal consequences?.”

The area around Westminster Palace was declared safe within one hour of the security alert.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/security-alert-at-parliament-suspect-device-found-westminster-at-standstill/

London Security Company Recruiting SIA licensed Security Guards

Renowned London security group; Westminster Security, are currently recruiting close protection officers and security guards for positions within hotels, events, and door supervision for the summer season. The company is looking to employ highly motivated and reliable security professionals to enhance the groups professional image.

Westminster Security, which provides personalised security services for its clients, has a strict recruitment process that only employs the finest security personnel, exemplifying an outstanding, proven background in the private security industry. The company is interested in hearing from individuals with at least 2 years experience in a similar security role in London, and particularly keen to recruit former British military and police officers.

Applicants need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority, with a proven record of employment and continual personal development. Successful applicants will undergo meticulous reference, criminal and financial background checks for the safety and security of their clients. Most security officers are specially chosen for their skill-set in their chosen field through careers in the Police, Army, Navy and Royal Air Force. This rigorous selection process ensures the highest quality security operatives for the customer, for their complete peace of mind and overall quality of service.

If you feel you have the right qualities, experience and training to offer, visit their employment page to check your eligibility and to apply.

Complimenting their close protection services, Westminster Security also offers security chauffeurs, residential security, surveillance, private investigations, security concierge, and retail security in London. To learn more about the company and its list of premier security services, visit www.WestminsterSecurity.co.uk today.

About Westminster Security

Based in Central London, Westminster Security is an independent private security company that provides a wide array of security and investigation services. The company only employs highly trained, and trusted former police and military security professionals, to protect clients and their businesses from risks and threats posed to their wealth, security and safety. These security professionals discreetly offer protection and safety for an extensive range of clients from different cultures and countries around the world.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/london-security-group-seeks-dependable-security-professionals/

Westminster Security London - New Website!

Welcome to our new website!

Westminster Security have a new website, it’s been 12 months in the making, and we hope you like it!. Apart from a complete redesign and rewrite, we've added an Arabic section for those travelling from the Middle East who are looking for a security company in London. We’ve added a blog section to enable us to communicate company updates, Industry news, press releases and employment opportunities. We’ve linked our social media accounts, don't forget to ‘Like Us’ on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter, and we're now on Google+. We look forward to connecting with you!.

About Westminster Security

We are a private security company based in Central London, established to provide high end premier security services to customers who require more than just security. Our service has been tailored to provide complete security and bespoke lifestyle management, including transportation, concierge, investigation and manned security. We pride ourselves on providing a premier service without the premium cost. We believe in quality over quantity so recruit only the most trained and experienced security operatives with backgrounds in the Police and British Armed Forces. All of whom undergo a strict vetting and recruitment process. Enabling us to provide our customers with a security management service that is second-to-none.

Our Area of operation

Westminster security mainly operate in London and the surrounding areas. However, we have to capabilities and experience to operate anywhere in the UK, Europe and around the world. We regularly operate in France for our clients which is becoming an evermore popular destination, therefore we have established a strong team based in Paris, ready to deploy at a moments notice. Over the years we have provided close protection bodyguards and security chauffeurs in Iraq, Kurdistan, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi, the United States of America and South America. We are due to deploy security teams to some of these destinations shortly.

Services we provide

• Chauffeurs – All of our chauffeurs are trained to the highest standards in driving. They have undergone advanced driver training in either the military or police, they have then completed advanced driver training with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) or RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), in some cases both qualifications. Our Security Chauffeurs have the same advanced driving qualifications, plus SIA close protection training, and further close protection driver training which includes but not limited to: route selection and planning, protocol & etiquette, embus/debus drills, intensive advanced defensive driving, surveillance awareness & detection, reaction to attack, vehicle control limits and escort/convoy driving drills. This training ensures that we provide the best security chauffeurs in London. For more information on our chauffeur and security chauffeur in London services, please contact us or visit our chauffeur in London page.

• Close Protection / Bodyguards – Our male & female close protection bodyguards in London are amongst the best, most sought after in the security industry. The vast majority of them are from specialist VIP protection units in the military and police. We can supply bodyguards in London of any shape or size to fit your individual requirements. Some clients prefer the discreet ‘executive’ bodyguard who wouldn't look out of place at The Ritz, others like the large physical presence of a ‘man mountain’ to escort them in clubs etc. Whatever your reference, we can provide all your close protection needs in London. For more information on our close protection in London, please contact us or visit our close protection page for more information.

•  Concierge – We provide an unparalleled concierge service in London to our clients, this is not a stand-alone service and is usually provided as part of a close protection service. Our close protection teams are well experienced in providing for all of our customers last minute requirements, anything from popular restaurant/club reservations, VIP cinema/concert/sporting tickets to flights and chartered jets. The only limits are time and your budget, we will do our utmost to source almost anything you want with our vast connections throughout the globe. Security Concierge – Our security concierge service in London combines the front of house receptionist role with that of a security guard, this is an effective way of providing a discreet security presence at your business or residential development. Our security guards are all trained and experienced in providing first class customer service whilst maintaining security. For information on either of our concierge services in London, please contact us.

• Door Supervisors – Westminster Security provide male & female door supervisors in London to many licensed venues, including hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and private members clubs. Our door supervisors have built an enviable reputation in providing a premier door security service in London. Gone are the days were ‘brutes in suits’ “run the doors”, todays door supervisors – or at least the one’s we employ, have not only a strong physical presence, but also able to converse with a broad spectrum of people from all different backgrounds and nationalities. The vast majority of our Door Supervisors have a British military background, we believe they are a real asset and have consistently proved this through their dedication and helpfulness to our clients and their customers. For more information on door supervisors in London, please contact us or visit our door supervisors in London page.

• Event Security – Our Door Supervisors are also utilised for event security in London, whether big or small, public or private. Westminster Security are able to consult and manage the security for you event in London. For more information on our event security in London and for some examples of the events we have provided security for, please visit our Event Security In London page. 

• Private Investigation - Our Private investigators in London are mainly retired police officers who are experts, and have vast experience in investigations. We provide Private Investigators in London for a wide variety of tasks. Our private investigators in London begin by gathering information from our client, they investigate further or act on these instructions by compiling photographs and/or statements and report the facts to the client before surveillance is instructed if required. It may surprise you what Private investigators actually do, their roles include but not limited too: Process Serving, Locus Reports, Witness Statements, Missing Persons, Listening Devices, Matrimonial Enquiries, Covert CCTV, Court Attendance, Tracking Vehicles, Trace Enquiries, Background Checks and Test Purchasing. For Private Investigation Services in London, contact us. Or visit our Private Investigators in London page.

• Residential Security – Westminster Security provide Residential Security in London for private individuals who require the extra presence of a security guard at their home or hotel suite. Residential security in London varies from a full-time static security guard to 24hr mobile patrols, visiting your property at random or set times throughout the day and night to confirm the security of your property and the absence of undesirables. Hotel residential security in London is usually provided 24hrs a day by a close protection bodyguard to royalty, celebrities and security conscious individuals. The bodyguard is in control of access to the room/suite and reports all activity to the close protection team leader via a written log. For more information on our residential security in London, please contact us or visit our residential security in London page.

• Retail Security – We provide retail security guards in London to many prestigious brands and designer labels, our retail security guards in London have built a great reputation in providing an exemplary service for many high street stores and designer boutiques. Westminster Security understand that customer service is as important as shop security, therefore only employ security guards whom speak perfect English with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Our retail security guards in London are all trained in first-aid, theft awareness and conflict management. If you are looking for a security company in London to provide you with retail security guards that will reflect a positive image of your business to your customers, contact us or visit our retail security guard page for more information.

• Surveillance – London is the surveillance capital of the world, with more CCTV cameras per head than anywhere else. Believe it or not, that makes it even harder for surveillance to be conducted on an individual, as the surveillance operative is also under constant surveillance whilst travelling discreetly around London, undetected by the target, but potentially drawing the attention of the police or CCTV operators. That’s why when it comes to surveillance in London, we are the experts. Our surveillance operatives have backgrounds in the security services, police and military special forces. They are trained to go undetected whilst gathering irrefutable evidence for our clients and submission to the courts. For more information on our surveillance service in London, please contact us or visit our surveillance in London Page.

Thank you for visiting our new Website and blog, if you feel any part of our site could be improved our you would like to comment in anyway about our site or services, please complete the comment box below.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/welcome-new-website/

Close Protection London - Bodyguards in London

Close Protection in London

Security experts estimate that 95% of all close protection operations in the UK, start in/or are conducted within London and the Greater London region. With Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and the City of London being the hotspots for close protection teams to operate. Generally the work is seasonal, with the influx of tourists from around the world, flocking to London during the summer months to escape the intense heat of their home nations, and to sample the famous cosmopolitan lifestyle that London offers.

What is Close Protection?

In layman’s terms; close protection (CP) is a term used to describe the manned security provided to a person to protect them from physical harm, theft or kidnap. Ensuring their personal safety and security from the threats and risks posed to them. The term given to the manned security is ‘close protection operatives’ (CPO’s) more commonly known as ‘bodyguards’ (BG’s) The person whom is being protected is generally referred to as a ‘principal’. The principal may employ a number of bodyguards depending on the threat posed to them and their family, the collective term for this is ‘close protection team’.

Who needs close protection in London?

There are no prerequisites to be afforded protection from bodyguards in London. If a person, family or business feels the requirement for additional personal security, then they will seek to employ the services of a private security company. The security company will liaise with the principal or their PA and establish the reasons why they feel the need for personal protection. The security company will immediately act upon the principals concerns by providing the requested manpower and electronic counter measures if required, then investigate further. A threat and risk analysis report will be compiled, utilising private investigators in London to establish any threats and the risks posed to the principal, their family and their interests. Once the threat has been established, surveillance may be conducted to monitor it, their capabilities and the risk posed by it/them. The security company will then be in a better position to advise the principal and put in place the relevant risk management measures. Be it physical manned guarding, electronic counter measures or a combination of the two.

Then and only then will the security be effective. – Establish the threat and risks, monitor it, and put in place relevant countermeasures to manage it. The old adage; ‘fail to prepare, then prepare to fail’, certainly applies.

Principal not principle!

A principal is the person being provided personal security, they come in all shapes and sizes, as do CPO’s – but we will discuss this later on. There are 2 main different types of principals; those that need security, and those that think they do. The latter generally being more demanding than the first. Those who need bodyguards may include royalty, heads of state, celebrities, sports personalities, company CEO’s, successful business people and court witnesses. These principals generally like to keep a low profile and take on board any expert security advice given. Principals that ‘think’ they need bodyguards who may not actually need them, may want them as a status symbol, to display wealth and importance, where there is no direct threat against them. This attracts a lot of undue attention by undesirables and by having bodyguards, actually increases the risk of attacks, be it verbal or physical, towards them. This type of principal generally disregards any sort of security advice in favour of their own clouded judgement. However, regardless of who the principal is, the threat and risks posed to them, their age, sex, religion/beliefs or career. Should not negatively affect a CPO’s professionalism and the quality of security provided to them.

Duties of a close protection operative (CPO) or bodyguard

As a bodyguard in London, you will be required to operate in a number of roles within a close protection team. As your career progresses, you will discover which role you are best suited to, focus on this and be the best you can. Be the person on speed dial for close protection team leaders across London. Continue to train and qualify yourself in other areas of close protection, making yourself highly employable. Some of the roles that you might be expected to operate in, include:

Close Protection Operative (Bodyguard)

Team member, ie. A CPO within a team. An Individual Bodyguard (IBG) or Personal Protection Operative (PPO), where you operate on a 1-1 basis with your principal. A team 2ic, you will assist the team leader and step up in their absence. And finally a team leader (TL), a position reserved generally for the most senior or most experienced member of the team.

Residential Security Team (RST)

As the name suggests, your duties will be to secure the principals residence day or night. This may be a hotel room or sprawling country estate. Both situations are very different, however the same principles apply, just adapted slightly depending on your surroundings.Residential security in London should be provided 24 hours a day, with day and night shifts lasting 12 hours each.

Surveillance / Counter Surveillance

When providing close protection in London as part of a larger team, you may be expected to conduct counter surveillance. Observing the close protection team from a distance, looking into and around their environment, looking for anyone watching your team, keeping note of people and vehicles that keep appearing at the same places the team is. Once spotted, it is your job to disrupt that surveillance, enabling your team to lose the surveillance.

Security Chauffeur / Close Protection Driver

Close Protection Teams in London usually operate a 2 vehicle convoy, the front vehicle being the VIP car, transporting your principal in a luxury saloon. And the rear vehicle usually a powerful 4×4, which the CP team travel in. If a professional security chauffeur is not employed, you may be required to chauffeur the principal, or drive the security car – the 2 driving styles required for each of the vehicles, is very different, hence ‘chauffeur’ and ‘drive’. Both tasks require a lot of skill, the convoy must remain as one, with both drivers fully aware of the others next move, and everything else on the road. Road moves are the single most dangerous part of any close protection operation. The embus & debus of the vehicle, and whilst the vehicles are in motion, is the time when most attacks or accidents occur. Therefore, it is imperative that CPO’s undergo advanced driver training, and continue to practise their vehicle drills. Unfortunately, a skill which is overlooked and seriously lacking in many bodyguards, which can have drastic consequences.

Westminster Security Close Protection Service

Westminster Security provide a premier close protection service in London and throughout the world. We deploy former British Military Close Protection experts from the Royal Military Police – Close Protection Unit, Special Air Service and specialist former Police protection officers of the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection units. As well as former British Military personnel who have undertaken rigorous training and excel in their chosen field of security.

For more information on our Close Protection services, please contact us.

If you feel you meet our high standards and criteria for employment, please complete our online application.

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http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/close-protection/