Firms plug gaps
THE private security industry has boomed in Greater Manchester as police numbers fall.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown that there are currently around 350 companies working in private security within our region.
That’s up by 35 per cent since 2012, when there were just 260 such businesses operating across Greater Manchester.
These types of companies provide security services and expertise to private and public clients, and can include bodyguards, security guards, bouncers and parking security.
In recent years, the trade has been seen by many as filling a vital role in providing what were previously public services, particularly as the number of violent crimes continue to rise and police numbers fall.
Rick Mounfield, chief executive of the Security Institute, said: “The police recognise that their numbers are shrinking and that their focus must reallocate resources to serious and organised crime.
“As such, there has been considerable collaboration between the police and security called The Police and Security initiative.
“The initiative has been championing a scheme that allows constabularies to award enhanced responsibility to appropriately professional security officers and companies.
“These include tasks that used to be the staple for a bobby on the street, such as anti-social behaviour deterrence, crowd control, traffic