UAE | Crime

Security firms say they will not arm personnel

In the wake of the Wafi jewellery heist, security companies do not believe that arming guards helps prevent such thefts as a majority of the guards are "unprofessional".

  • By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 April 18, 2007
  • Gulf News

Dubai: In the wake of the Wafi jewellery heist, security companies do not believe that arming guards helps prevent such thefts as a majority of the guards are "unprofessional".

"The market is not willing to pay properly for security and as a result we do not hire trained professionals," said Sidney Wanje, operational manager at Knightsbridge Global Security.

"Security guards should only be armed if private companies are willing to pay the professional rates required to hire professional security personnel that are trained to handle guns," he said.

Steal guns

If security companies are licensed to provide armed guards, Wanje said companies should emphasise recruiting of security guards who are heavily built, otherwise aggressive youngsters will be tempted to try to grab the gun of a lean security guard.

"At this point, the maximum we can discuss are electric guns that can stun the perpetrator, because that is more appropriate for the security guards that are currently employed," he said.

Varghese Mathews, operational manager at Euro Securities, said that there is a strong chance of disgruntled employees misusing their weapons if they are not properly trained by the government on how to handle arms.

"It is workable if the guards are qualified. If they are not, then the weapons they are equipped with can be misused.

"There should be complete training and organisation of security companies in the country, and should only be given to staff after they are properly trained," he said.

Mohammad Nageeb, operational manager at Middle East Building Security Company, said that he would arm all his employees if it were possible.

"I will enforce it immediately if the government gives us permission. But is should be their responsibility to provide the staff with training and guidelines on how they are required to act," he said.

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