‘Business Protection Officers (BPOs)’ employed by a private security firm and patrolling the streets of Belfast city centre may look like police but they’ve very limited powers.
Legacy Link security staff have the same rights as a normal citizen - which means they do not get any extra powers like PSNI officers.
However, they do have the right to use reasonable force against someone, including restraining them.
The security officers are paid for by businesses concerned about shoplifting and anti-social behaviour which may put off their customers.
Client Liaison Officer Tommy Fleming said despite responding to 200 low crime incidents since March that would normally be a 101 call to police, their staff have not had to put hands on anyone.
“Our guys are always looking for an empathetic approach and more often a simple move on is more than enough to tackle that lower rate crime,” he insisted.
“Our staff are fully trained to the door supervisor standard which is what you would see in the hospitality industry in the clubs and retail environments.
“They’re trained in physical intervention as a last resort. We are there to look after the business, customers and staff so they feel much safer.”
By providing a subscription based ‘security patrol’, Legacy Link say that their officers are more approachable and able to deal with low risk crimes.
Mr Fleming said: “Our teams will be on a constant rotation of the city and provide a professional but discreet on-the-ground presence, equipped with the latest body cam technology enabling them to deal with awkward or disgruntled customers, unwanted nuisance visitors, loitering or other anti-social behaviour, as well as vandalism and theft, among other issues.”
Latest PSNI figures show shoplifting has increased by 1,468 recorded offences since the previous year, a rise of 19.5 per cent.
Theft offences overall have increased by 3.5 per cent or 25,514 such incidents over the past year
Gary Toal, from Toal’s Bookmakers, which subscribes to Legacy Links security service, said it offers safety and reassurance as crimes rise and PSNI resources fall.
“The PSNI seem to be severely under pressure with both manpower and funding, and at the same time we are also seeing a visible increase anti-social behaviour on our streets,” he said.
“We feel that the service offers additional safety and reassurance for both our staff and customers.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are aware of the business as they are an established security company in Belfast.
“The Police Service does not endorse any commercial enterprise. Anyone who requires police assistance should call 101, or in an emergency, 999.”
