Local Authorities |
We have established a very close working relationship with several local authorities in London and the Home Counties. We provide various services for them in the areas of surveillance resources and capabilities. We are fully conversant with the current legislation of RIPA and the high standards of evidence required. This sets us above other agencies, together with the provision of quality video and evidential packages of the highest standard. Undercover operatives are also available for work placement. Ever mindful of costs, taking on several subjects at once, we are able to move from one to the other if there is no activity at one site, ensuring cost effectiveness and time management of our resources. A Special Day Rate Package is also offered to Local Authorities with several enquires of a similar nature. For details of this offer and further information on our operations please contact our director of surveillance.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES-Case Studies.
1. Throughout London and the Home Counties organised gangs began targeting parking meters. One method was to drill the sides or the lock to gain access to the coin box. After consultations several hot spots were identified and we provided specialist observation vans along with a large surveillance presence. On two occasions subjects were videoed breaking into the meters in the early hours and were followed by the operatives to their home addresses. Police who were aware of the operation came and took over at this stage. Other subjects were identified, vast amounts of intelligence gathered and monies recovered, over a seven week period.
This operation lead to the breaking up of two highly organised gangs, the recovery of eleven meters (ripped out and found abandoned in a garden), several arrests and valuable intelligence passed on to Police and Local Authorities (let alone the savings in damages and lost revenue).
2. A London Authority had concerns about the fraudulent use of residents parking permits. It was discovered that numerous permit holders did not actually reside in the Borough and were driving in each day and parking for free in resident bays costing the authority valuable revenue. The subjects were filmed leaving from and arriving at their home addresses and also parking fraudulently in residents bays. Evidence packages were presented to the Authority in question who dealt with it accordingly.
3. Another Authority had problems with disabled parking badges being fraudulently obtained or passed on to able bodied drivers, thus negating the parking charges that should have been paid, or the ‘hogging’ of bays illegally. Again observations provided evidence showing the mobility of some drivers, whilst others had no right to the badges in the first place. Badges were cancelled and others prosecuted.
4. A final case study involved a subject who was fraudulently claiming a disability allowance. He drew attention to himself by requesting a large bungalow from the local council, claiming he was unable to climb up stairs due to a leg injury. Staff noted there was no medical evidence, although he limped badly. During observations we observed that his limp disappeared. Claiming that he was unable to work, he was found to own a second hand car business and was subsequently filmed working on the ‘pitch’. This evidence was enough for the Local Authority to take immediate action enabling them to direct resources where they were needed.
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