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FEATURE: SECURITY

“The ACS raises standards across the industry and consequently

raises the standing of security as a service worthy of expenditure and an occupation worth pursuing. Obviously these factors can assist in increasing revenue, but raising standards in the security industry has positive implications for the communities and organisations that utilise or experience it.” In the retail sector – shopping centres in particular – the quality

of a security system has a serious impact on every member of the community. Having a structured regulatory system in place, therefore, is crucial to the safety of thousands who would otherwise be vulnerable to the various crimes that take place in malls, from muggings and theft to even greater threats such as terrorism. At the SIA, Shephard recognises the value of having retailers on

board. “We’re well aware that many national chains only use approved contractors, and that these retailers were the first to recognise the benefits,” he says. “We welcome this and want to see it continue into

other chains and independents.” And there are additional benefits for retail developments. The

SIA run events for approved contractors, where experts are drafted in to talk about relevant issues. “Last year we had the Metropolitan Police talking about Operation Fairway,” adds Shephard, referring to a key intelligence-gathering operation to detect and prevent terrorist activity in potentially vulnerable buildings, like shopping centres. It might have some way to go, but the intentions behind the

Approved Contractor Scheme – to emphasize quality and police bad practice – is already building confidence in the industry, from both the retailer and the provider’s point of view.

Find out more:

For more information, please contact the author or visit the website:

www.shopping-centre.co.uk/security lauren.vanderkar@jldmedia.com

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