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Oil giant BP has proven itself an enlightened client by forging a genuine security partnership with its solutions provider VSG.
Three years ago, BP wanted to enhance security at its forecourt
retail outlets and, in particular, harboured a strong desire to offer
the best possible protection for staff working in these premises. A
laudable attitude to take, particularly given the fact that drive-off
thefts, hold-ups and assaults at petrol stations operated by many
different companies across the UK continue to be a huge headache for
owners and the police service alike. BP took the decision to enter into
initial discussions with security solutions provider VSG. Since then,
the working relationship between the companies has developed into a
close partnership, with VSG duly providing efficient and cost-effective
security for BP forecourts.
More efficient officer deployment
Having received an initial brief from BP to provide recommendations for
security enhancements, VSG looked closely at the arrangements then in
place at petrol stations (the retail outlets themselves accounting for
a significant part of BP’s business). One important conclusion from
this review was that the security officer resource could be more
efficiently deployed.
As a result, and notwithstanding the truism that VSG derives much of
its income from providing security guarding services, the multiple
award-winning contractor provided BP with impartial advice about where
guarding was most appropriate, and where available budget might be
better and more effectively spent on other measures (including, for
example, staff training).
Following on from further detailed analyses of BP’s requirements, VSG
proposed the introduction of a three-tier profit protection scheme.
This would include an element of guarding, of course, complemented by
the appointment of two regional profit protection managers and a
national profit protection manager. In addition to managing the whole
team, the latter would actively seek opportunities for VSG to enhance
protection against a wide range of threats.
Three years on, that profit protection scheme is now fully in place. As
part of its implementation, the appropriate regional profit protection
manager works in partnership with BP to carry out criminal risk
assessments and examine every aspect of security at each individual
store. On the basis of this work, the manager produces recommendations
that are discussed and agreed with BP before joint implementation plans
are rubber-stamped.
Greater levels of staff training
One major recommendation was for more staff training. As a result, VSG
has now worked successfully with BP’s Training Department to deliver
highly focused courses for upwards of 700 BP staff. Topics covered by
these courses include, for example, how to recognise when a theft has
occurred or is occurring, how to deal with shoplifters and the correct
techniques to use for handling and defusing confrontational situations.
The assessments carried out at each store also take into account
factors such as local crime statistics, which are an invaluable aid to
implementing coherent ’joined up’ security, and historic stock-take
results to provide justification, where appropriate, for the adoption
of electronic profit protection measures, such as the tagging of high
value items.
These routine procedures are complemented by weekly analyses of crime
on BP sites that then enable security provisions to be focused on the
key areas where they’ll be most effective. Assessments are carried out
on a site-by-site basis. Where appropriate, tactical measures are
developed and implemented for individual sites.
These measures might involve upgrading the lighting or CCTV
installations. In these cases, as in all others that involve CCTV, VSG
works closely with AGE, BP’s established supplier of CCTV solutions.
VSG is also looking to introduce a trial of its own remote monitoring
solution in conjunction with audio warnings. BP is currently evaluating
the proposal. This is intended to be used not only as a direct security
measure, but also as an effective form of lone worker assistance. If a
violent incident should take place, staff can press an alert button
which realises a rapid response.
In such cases, the first action is for the VSG remote monitoring team
to issue an audible warning over the PA system of the site where the
incident is taking place. This advises the miscreants that their
actions are being watched and recorded, and that the police have been
called. In many instances, the warning alone leads to the immediate
cessation of the crime and a quick flight of the perpetrators.
Taking care of the lone worker
Even when there are no untoward events apparently in progress, the
audio channel can be used to speak to remote workers, ensuring that all
is well and to provide reassurances that, if they need assistance, it
will be provided rapidly and effectively.
Alongside these readily apparent aspects of the service it’s providing
for BP, VSG has invested a substantial amount of time in developing
mutually beneficial relationships between the stores’ managers and
staff and their local police forces. One direct and effective result of
these relationships is the introduction of banning orders.
Through a process that has been developed jointly by VSG and BP, the
police are encouraged to issue prolific or major offenders with banning
orders that prohibit them from entering BP sites. When following up
major incidents, such as robberies, VSG and BP now routinely request
banning orders for the perpetrators of the crime. They are also being
used effectively to deter known shoplifters.
Examination of security incidents
Incident investigation is another important measure. VSG investigates
all significant security-related incidents on behalf of BP, providing a
consistent and coherent approach, and liaising with the police through
to the final conclusion. The objectives are clear – to reaffirm that BP
will never tolerate any violence toward its staff, and that those who
attempt to use violence will be pursued vigorously through the Courts.
VSG’s input has proven invaluable here.
According to Gary Worrow, BP’s advisor on retail Health and Safety and
security issues: “The results of VSG’s work to date for BP have been
pleasing, with costs well controlled and security significantly
enhanced, most notably in the key area of staff protection. We’re very
happy with VSG’s fresh thinking, and the strategic tactical approach
taken by the company.“
PetrolWorld 1109 By Brian Sims infosecurity
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