Security Boss Fined After Unlicensed Guard Scandal at Oldham Supermarket
Mr Imran, a Maidenhead-based company director, has been slapped with a £440 fine and ordered to cough up nearly £2,000 in prosecution costs after his firm supplied an unlicensed security guard to an Oldham supermarket.
Unlicensed Guard Sparks SIA Investigation
On 28 August 2021, the retail manager at the Oldham store spotted a suspicious swap. The usual licensed security operative was replaced by an unknown man without a licence. The manager immediately tipped off the Security Industry Authority (SIA), triggering an investigation.
Mr Imran Dodges SIA’s Questions
Last December, the SIA asked Mr Imran for crucial information. He gave a partial reply but failed to fully cooperate. Then, when the SIA sent another information request earlier this year, he ignored it completely. To make matters worse, Mr Imran refused to attend a formal interview under caution, missing his chance to clear his name.
SIA Cracks Down with Court Action
“Mr Imran failed to engage with the SIA, whose purpose is to administer the private security licensing regime that protects the public,” said Jenny Hart, criminal investigation manager at the SIA. “If there are unlicensed operatives working in supermarkets the public are put at risk. I’d like to thank the Oldham store for their co-operation with this case.”
Jenny added: “As a licence holder, Mr Imran was expected to comply with requests from his regulator. Instead, he ignored us and now faces heavy costs, loss of his licence, and a criminal record.”
