Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A man has been given a suspended sentence for fraud after he used someone else’s SIA licence to work illegally at a venue in Newcastle.
An SIA investigation found that Samuel Miller committed fraud by lying to his employers and working unlicensed as a door supervisor at City Vaults in Newcastle.
He worked multiple shifts between August and October 2022 at the venue using the SIA licence number of somebody with a similar name. Northumbria Police were investigating a separate incident at a venue when they discovered Mr Miller working without a licence and referred the matter to the SIA to investigate.
Jenny Hart, a criminal investigations manager at the SIA, said:
Door supervisors and security guards have an important frontline role protecting the public. That is why we have a robust licensing regime in place to make sure they have the skills they need to keep people safe.
Mr Miller used a fraudulent licence to obtain work. He showed a brazen disregard for public safety by deceiving his employers to get a job for which he was not qualified. We take matters like this incredibly seriously. Mr Miller has found out the hard way that crime does not pay.
Samuel Miller pleaded guilty on 13 May 2024 to one count of fraud and one count of breaching the Private Security Industry Act by working in a licensable role without a valid licence. He was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Newcastle Crown Court on 11 October 2024. He must also pay £500 in court costs.
Notes to editors
By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on GOV.UK/SIA.
The offence relating to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 that is mentioned above is:
- Section 3 – engaging in licensable conduct without a licence
The offence relating to the Fraud Act 2006 that is mentioned above is:
- Section 2 – fraud by false representation
Further information
The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).
For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates visit http://www.gov.uk/sia. We also post articles and updates on WordPress. The SIA is on LinkedIn, Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (@SIAuk).
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