News
A recent study revealed that UK businesses are the victims of high levels of data theft by staff, including confidential documents, customer databases, business contacts and sales leads.
This danger is compounded by widespread ownership of personal storage devices such as USB memory sticks or iPods, capable of storing company data.
The survey found that:
- 37 percent believe it’s acceptable to take database information and sales leads
- 78 percent of workforce owns devices capable of download and storing data
- 49 percent of 16-24 year-olds do not think workplace theft is stealing
- 73 percent of graduate trainees admit to office theft
- 56 percent believe companies expect things ‘to go walk-about’
- 60 percent of workers have removed items from the office in the past
- 18 percent of men take business contact details
- 11 percent (15 percent for men) remove confidential documents
- 10 percent have stolen a work database (18 percent of graduate trainees)
- 13 percent of workers at larger SMEs (501-1000 employees) have taken software
- 10 percent of larger SME employees have stolen computer equipment
- 30 percent of workers believe sales leads/business contacts are rightfully theirs
” BREAKING NEWS”
Friday 7th May 2010 The Law Society Endorses the Association of British Investigators. A landmark day in the Associations near 100 year history.
Licensing is an SIA main priority
The SIA is proceeding with the option of licensing individual private investigation and precognition agents, with competency criteria, which will include specified training. This option was favoured by a sizeable majority of those giving their views during consultation.
Consultation in 2007, showed strong agreement that there is a need to introduce licensing of private investigations and precognition agents.
An interim Impact Assessment was published on the SIA website on 1 September 2008 – this contains further information about the preferred option.
We acknowledge that it is taking longer than anticipated to introduce licensing for private investigations and precognition agents. However, Ministers have now agreed that the licensing of private investigators should be one of the SIA’s main priorities.
The potential enforcement date for regulation is 2011 /12. This is because although recommendation to introduce licensing was accepted by the Minister, it is important to undertake further steps to ensure that the regulation would meet essential criteria before it was introduced.
These steps include discussions with all government departments, other regulators and stakeholder representatives, to ensure that no-one would be ‘doubly regulated’ by competency-based licensing.
We also have to ensure that individuals and companies are fully aware of the proposals, that the processes and systems are in place and that everyone has enough time to prepare and be ready for regulation.
Issued by the Security Industry Authority to the Association of British Investigators.
Identity Theft and the privacy laws
By the way, were you aware that there is no such crime in the UK as “Identity theft”? Well not yet.
What is against the current law is using the identity to obtain money (identity fraud).
The interpretation of the Data Protection legislation has enabled, in deed encouraged, this area of fraudulent activity to mind boggling extremes. I remember not so long ago being able to see and recognise such fraudulent activity by a simple credit search against an address. Not so these days and thus the fraudsters can carry on with their criminal activity, unchecked, for much longer.
There seems to be only one source that monitors the identity theft problem with any degree of reliability and that is the Credit Industry Fraud Advisory System (CIFAS). This facility is by its nature a closed group, which whilst providing a valuable service to the credit industry is beyond accessibility to most investigators. CIFAS statistics showed an increase of identity theft by 461% in 2000, followed by a rise in 2001 of 122% and further growth of 54% in 2002.
Identity theft is not just used to steal personal credit but is being used frequently in theft of corporate identities. And here lies the area in which investigators can not only find reasonably well-paid work but also go about their business less impeded by the privacy laws in the UK.
I could not help but observe an almost evil-like glint in the eye of those charged with enforcement of this pro-criminal bureaucracy as they speak publicly on the subject. Maybe the civil rights privacy obsession and madness will implode at some point and free markets will be given a new lifeline to natural progress. It must surely be only a matter of time.
In the meantime and in the absence of privileged access to data (maybe a dream but we champions of victims’ rights can but try) the rest of the private investigation industry soldiers on trying to earn a crust in the ever-decreasing bread-and-butter market.
So where has bread-and-butter work gone?
Wrongly perceived by the public (and the authorities) as a Private Investigator’s main activity, what little domestic investigation used to be available has almost evaporated. A generation ago the burden of proof in matrimonial cases was such that most divorces presented work for the Investigators. Not so these days.
I recall the days when ALL litigation originating process required personal service unless otherwise ordered by the Court after attempts had failed. I am referring to the hand delivery of legal papers. A huge ancillary industry for the PI sector vanished with the initial revision of these procedures 25 years ago. An industry known publication by The Association of British Investigators, originally by its past president, the late Alan Drake, entitled The Process Servers’ Guide was written because of the volume of such work that then existed. Process serving by hand is now rarely required.
The investigation and recovery industry benefited hugely by the mistakes of the over-lending eighties. The credit and banking services learnt by their mistakes and quite rightly so, albeit after a heavy cost, changed policy to prevention rather than cure. This saw a progressive decline in routine trace, financial status, litigation support and recovery work during the nineties. The suppressed interest-rates the UK is currently enjoying maintain the status quo. No doubt when the bubble bursts, things will change again.
Concurrently, process serving and other more technical areas of litigation support took another hammering from the Woolf Reforms. I have to confess that whilst I take the view that the Civil Procedure Rules has had the opposite effect to that intended in the bigger picture, “Access to Justice”, the CPR did at least apply some common sense and practical approaches to what often became unnecessarily bureaucratic procedural requirements, such as the need to pin down and serve legal process on an evasive and uncooperative litigant. What nonsense. If someone wants to duck and dive responsibility, so be it, such folly is exposed when creditors and other civil victims enforce their Court Orders.
As one door shuts another opens. Hence my opening comments on the fraud related investigative services.
There is a noticeable change happening that may or may not be such a bad thing in the long term. The bigger and richer investigation agencies are becoming bigger and richer still. The smaller and less well-off agencies are finding their margins getting tighter. The licensing process beginning to unfold following The Private Security Industry Act 2001 seems to recognise this and consequently the views and needs of the lone operative agents are looked upon with less relevance by the authorities. But it is recognised that the larger agencies, whose activities are better described as “Case Management” are dependant on the assistance and services undertaken by the more modestly sized agencies. The exchange of views and cooperation currently taking place in the licensing process witnesses this point.
However, without the bread and butter work one wonders who will be left to see through the implementation of the statutory regulation.
Tony Imossi MABI, CFE
What our clients say:
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The recession continues to take its toll as many companies go to the wall, appearing powerless to do anything about it. It makes you wonder if some HR and Senior managers had have taken a tougher stance on sickness abuse at an early stage. Surveillance and Investigations on sickness abuse could well have saved some of these companies had it been introduced at an early stage. Our experience in working with HR managers who did employ us and who did decide to take an early stand on sickness abusers has saved them thousands of pounds and reduced their sickness levels throughout the company. They have now reaped the rewards by using that saved revenue to stay afloat. Our team of surveillance and Private investigators have over 50 years combined experience in the Nottingham area alone and they are trained at the highest levels in employment law to suit individual company needs. I have asked this question before and I make no apology for asking it again "why do companies turn a blind eye to sickness abusers and not have them investigated?" Taking a day, a week, a month or even a year off when there is clearly nothing wrong with an employee is THEFT OF YOUR COMPANY MONEY!! Yes Theft. If an employee stole equipment or stock from your company I have no doubt they would be sacked immediately and the Police brought in to deal with them on a criminal investigation. Yet having time off work for no reason is no different. In our experience Employers, HR and Senior managers seem to deal with this in a different and a much more lenient way. A reputable company such as ours will; 1. meet with you to discuss your concerns, 2. explain in detail how we propose to work in unison with you and how we will conduct our legal and professional enquiries, 3. We will investigate and put covert surveillance on the nominated individual with our highly trained and experienced investigators, 4. Conclude our investigations, write up our findings and put all our collated evidence on a professional DVD, 5. Working together with you HR managers or senior management team we will be available to give evidence at any internal disciplines to answer any questions. Private Investigations by the correct company A.I.C Legal Services Ltd who are the only company in the East Midlands to hold the ISO 9001 for the Nationally recognised Standards. Please do not hesitate to call us on 07775670794 Nottingham and the East Midlands or 07775670793 for anywhere else in the Uk and Northern Ireland, and speak to our trained and experience experts today!
Investigators In Nottingham ‘HR Toughens Up To Save Companies’ -
Many Private Detective and investigation agency's claim to be the best at whatever they do but can they back their claims? AIC Legal Services Ltd are the Best and we CAN. Here is a reference from another satisfied customer we successfully carried out an instruction for -**see our testimonial page for Private, Legal and Corporate Testimonials** " I was recently in the unfortunate predicament to have to turn to the services of a private investigator to help deal with a family problem. I was very lucky to have chosen A.I.C Legal Services Ltd, quite fortuitously, from the internet, for two reasons. On technical grounds they were quite superb. They delivered on time and to specification, and what really amazed me was the depth of the information they found out about their 'target'. Indeed, if I was their target, I really would be worried. Secondly, and I think that this is the most important aspect of what they did for me, was their concept of 'customer care' in how they handled my case. Not just sympathy, anyone can do that, but the way they went the extra mile to help me, for no extra cost, and their willingness to think of additional ways of helping, even after I had paid their bill! All this together with a willingness to keep me informed at EVERY step of the way. Great service. Highly recommended. </quote> Regards Martin If you need a Private detective or a team of investigators to speak to you or carry out an instruction in the knowledge that you will get the BEST then contact us using our Freephone number 08006681877 or to speak to one of our Operations managers 0n 0777 567 0794
Nottingham East Midlands Investigations “The Proof Of The Pudding Is In The Eating” -
We write to confirm that we have instructed A.I.C Legal Services Ltd as process servers for us over the past 15 years or so. We have always found them to be honest and trustworthy and they have always carried out the instructions that we have given them precisely and accurately. Their fees have always been reasonable and we have always been more than happy with the excellent service they provide. On a personal level we have always found them to be pleasant and helpful. We have no reason to doubt that we will continue to instruct A.I.C in future and indeed we recommend their services to many people.
Julia Gibbons, Rebecca Peedle-LHC SOLICITORS -
I have known A.I.C. Legal Services Ltd on a professional basis for approximately 14 years in their capacity as an Enquiry Agent/Process Server. I can confirm that A.I.C have always responded promptly and efficiently to any request for assistance (and will collect/deliver documentation) including the preparation and filing of any Affidavit following service of documents etc. They are most reliable and almost invariably telephone to confirm service as soon as it has taken place. If there are any queries A.I.C will follow up those issues with this firm or the Client in order to progress matters as soon as possible.
Susan C. Walker-Shipton Hallewell & Co -
Over the past years, A.I.C Legal Services Ltd have worked for our company on several occasions and each time we have been highly satisfied with the results they have produced. A.I.C surveillance operatives fit into our organisation in any role, which enables them to obtain information vital to our operations. A.I.C are very reliable and committed to the work that they do and when involved in a job they will work extensively to find the information we need. A.I.C operatives are very sociable with the people they are asked to work alongside and they very quickly gain trust and take them into their confidence. A.I.C operatives are very adaptable and can fit into any situation with ease. I would happily recommend A.I.C to a prospective employer, they have certainly shown dedication to us and they are totally suited to this type of work.
T.J.Davenport -
All to often the public and private population order detectives but having no idea what they are ordering or going to get at the end of the detective enquiry. AIC Legal Services can offer you promises that few other Detective agancies can offer you. The Promise that AIC detective agency can offer you are as follows - 1. True Professionals with all staff former Police and military 2. Cleared CRB,s for all staff 3. Free consultation 4. Origonal Testimonials 5. Discreet and confidential meetings 6. Free Car trackers on all detective work 7. 24/7 communication on all jobs 8. the best detective and Investigation service in the UK We pride ourselves on being the best and setting the bench mark for all the rest. This company will always lead from the front. If you have looked at all our services and we can assist you then please call us on 0800 668 1877.
Private Detectives ‘Our Promises’ -
Well if our enquiries in 2011, relating to unfaithful and cheating partners is anything to go by then there will be a few Sad New Years. Unfortunately the Xmas parties and the lads and girls nights out bring many insecurities for their partners left at home. The smell of perfume or aftershave off someone else, the lips stick on the collar, the text messages which have been left on and read by the partner. January always brings in more investigation calls for our private detectives at AIC regarding the investigations and surveillance of the man or woman who feels they have been cheated on and many fear that the kiss at the xmas party has led on into an affair. Certainly a Sad New Year for many if all we hear from Mr Cameron and what we read in the papers is true. Its all about cuts and hiking up bills. I could never understand a Goverments decision to inform the public of cuts and raises just after most have spent their last penny to ensure their families had a nice xmas only to walk into the New Year to hear all the doom and gloom. Its certainly a Happy New Year for those in the highest positions where pay rises never seem to end with unrealistic figures which one finds very difficult to comprehend when those at the bottom are being warned of cuts and withdrawal of benefits. A debate worth having but one which is avoided by those at the top. Unfortunately for the line of work we are in we bring Happy New Years and Sad New Years depending on which side of the fence you are on. Investigations and Surveillance including all our services will continue with the same effort and where possible, more to ensure we bring a happy smile to all our clients but unfortunately in unfaithful partner cases even we get a fantastic result for our client the news can be very hard to take. AIC team are all trained to show compassion and empathy in such cases and to comfort our clients by always listening to them. If you need descreet investigations conducting call our Detective Agency on 0800 668 1877
Nottingham Investigations ‘Happy New Year or Sad New year’! -
AIC Legal Services Ltd are the 1st Private Detective and Investigation company to have acheived the ISO:9001 National standards Award. This highlights why AIC is now by far 'The best Detective and Covert Surveillance company in the East Midlands." Hundreds of man hours were spent by all the staff in acheiving this great recognition. Please feel to have a look at our certificate of Registration. http://www.aiclegalservicesltd.co.uk/iso90012008.html The Association Of British Investigators (ABI), has not even acheived such an award and it beggars the question as to who does their internal monitoring and auditing for customer satisfaction and for their own improvements. Again I will ask the question "why is this industry not regulated and if Private Investigators have no formal proof of conducting surveillance and covert operations why have they been allowed to join associated bodies?" Answers on a post card!! AIC Legal Services Ltd surveillance and Investigators are all former Police Officers or surveillance trained military staff with years of experience and who can stand in a witness box and give expert evidence. ACCOUNTABILITY,INTEGRITY,CREDIBILITY Call NOW for a FREE and confidential meeting 07775670794
Detective Agency East Midlands “1st Place Award”
