Private Security in London to Police Protests

Private Security in London to Police Protests

Private security companies in London could replace the role of the Met Police during protest marches in London, as protesters are told to hire private security for traffic control and event stewarding. We’ve all been inconvenienced by a protest at some point in our lives, and the cost to tax payers runs into the many thousands of pounds for each event. So should Britain now pay to protest?

London is a real hotbed for protests, not a week goes by without some group, country, religion or organisation protesting about something, that quite frankly has nothing to do with London, let alone Britain! So why should British tax payers be left standing with the bill? and why should local communities suffer when police resources are diverted to police the protest?

The Guardian Newspaper reports: “The right to stage demonstrations in Britain could be threatened following a demand that climate change protesters planning a march next month hire a private firm to oversee it – a role previously carried out by the police.

New, more restrictive, interpretations of traffic laws, coupled with constrained policing budgets, lie behind the Met’s decision. A large protest, which will block off roads, requires a temporary traffic regulation order to ensure public safety is maintained and congestion managed. However, Westminster council says it will issue an order only when the organisers of the march have produced a traffic management plan outlining who will steward the event and how”.

Surely if protesters are so passionate about their cause, a 50p or £1 donation per head to cover the cost of traffic marshals and event security guards, is not an unreasonable request. Private security companies in London, like Westminster Security, have plenty of experience in event security management, with many of their security guards having experience at the Olympics, Royal Wedding and Queens Golden Jubilee celebrations.

A Met spokeswoman said the police’s core responsibilities were “preventing and detecting crime, maintenance of the Queen’s Peace and protecting life and property”. She said that because the proposed demonstration, on 7 March, was expected to be crime-free there was little requirement for it to provide a policing operation.

Westminster Security have confirmed that if they where asked to police an event such as the Campaign Against Climate Change, they would liaise with the Met Police and Transport For London to develop an efficient traffic management system which would least impact road users and provide maximum security for both protesters and the public, providing physical and asset protection.

If you would like to enquire about private security in London, please visit our Event Security Page for further details. Or call Westminster Security on 0208 123 3323 or 0755 4000 300

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/private-security-in-london-to-police-protests/

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/

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/

Private Security Services in London Shine During Star-studded Events

Will this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show finally be open to the public? A news feature on the Telegraph says it is possible, albeit at a rather steep price. Cornucopia Events, an event planning company based in London, exclusively offers £10,000-£12,000 tickets to the giant brand’s iconic lingerie fashion show that takes place on 2nd December. Olivia Bergin, fashion editor for the digital publication, describes the spectacle as follows:

It’s a catwalk extravaganza that’s being staged in London for the first time, features the world’s most sought-after bodies and performers and costs millions to produce. In a nutshell, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is not your average event.

The event has mostly been held in New York since its inception in 1995 and features the lingerie giant’s Angels (spokesmodels who have become household names thanks to their career-cementing contracts) strut down the runway in fantastical creations that rarely make it into stores – unless you count its window displays. Joining Angels Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss and Adriana Lima at this year at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre are rumoured to be London girls Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn.

While the strutting happens, the likes of Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Taylor Swift serenade the audience. The spectacle is then broadcast to millions of viewers across the world.

According to an unnamed source, the tickets come with a hefty price tag that is meant to attract only individuals with a high net worth. That’s assuming these people have the classy personality to fit the event’s star-studded guest list. Although a Victoria’s Secret executive says no one is yet authorised to sell tickets to the invite-only extravaganza, highly connected concierge services say they can make it happen for well-paying guests.

A prospect of this sort can be a potential cause for alarm since the privacy of celebrities and high-profile personalities could potentially be jeopardised. After all, what’s to stop aggressive paparazzi or undesirables from purchasing their own tickets and disrupting the peace at such an otherwise fun event? Given the unpredictable nature of these threats, high-profile people would be wise to invest in London security services.

A reputable London close protection service provider like Westminster Security employs highly trained former police and military security personnel to serve as bodyguards for high-net-worth clients. With superior protection at hand, celebrities and other high-profile individuals can set their minds at ease knowing that they are safe at whatever function or after-party they attend.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/private-security-services-london-shine-star-studded-events/

Westminster Security: Raising the Bar for Security in London Events

London is one of the most famous cities in the world – and understandably so. Hence, it is not surprising that the bustling metropolis is home to many iconic national and international events, from acclaimed concerts at the Royal Albert Hall to major sporting events like Wimbledon in SW19. That’s why at Westminster Security, we are continuing our efforts to raise the standard of security in London event venues.

We do this by hiring only the best and most experienced security personnel possible. In fact, most of our security guards in London have police or military backgrounds, thus making them highly sought after and trained. In accordance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001, we also ensure that each of our security operatives are Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed, and thoroughly vetted before they are deployed on a task. Given their impressive backgrounds and extensive training, our security guards are the envy of both their peers and our competitors.

Of course, we don’t content ourselves with just hiring the best in the business; we take things further by providing an exemplary service to all our clients. The term we use to describe our service is “bespoke” because we understand that each event has different challenges and security needs. Therefore, we tailor fit our service to ensure you the utmost security. Whatever the event, be it an exhibition, a conference, a festival, or even a private party. Our security guards can be deployed within the hour – we can rapidly deploy our personnel at short notice, whether here in the U.K. or abroad.

With our excellent reputation, Westminster Security has become one of the leaders in security management in the country. We have provided security services to many high-profile events, including the UEFA Champions League Finals at Wembley Stadium, the BAFTA Film Awards, the London 2012 Olympics, and even for a British Royal family event. Our manned security services include; close protection bodyguards, security concierge, door supervisors, private investigators/Surveillance, residential and retail security services.

Your safety and security is the number one priority; as such, we do everything in our power to safeguard your well-being. If you require 5 star security services in London, look no further than Westminster Security. Contact us for further information on our event security services in London.

http://www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/westminster-security-raising-bar-security-london-events/