Two Securitas officers missing feared dead
(13/09/2001)

TWO SECURITAS OFFICERS REMAIN missing after the terrorist attacks which destroyed the World Trade Center in New York.

Both security officers were in one of the two towers when it collapsed. Securitas said: "Our thoughts are with them and those close them."

Securitas - the world's largest security services provider - has about 6,000 employees based in Manhattan, of which about 2,000 work in Downtown Manhattan's southern financial district. One of the security services giant's three Manhattan offices is located very close to the World Trade Center, within the area that is now closed off, and it is being used as one of several crisis centres.

Securitas said the atrocity has prompted an immediate demand for extra security in the US and Europe. The company said it is assisting with all the resources it has, and many of its staff are working long overtime hours.

Airport checks

There is nothing to indicate that checks were not performed correctly.
Securitas
Burns' subsidiary, Globe Security (acquired by Securitas last year), takes care of passenger checks for American Airlines at Boston Logan International airport, where four of the airline's planes were hijacked for the attack.

Security checks at the airport have been heavily criticised in the aftermath of the attack, but Securitas defended Globe Security's performance.

"There is nothing to indicate that checks were not performed correctly, in accordance with our instructions," the company said. "The information available to date regarding the 'weapons' that were used - 'pen knives and box cutters' - also indicates that no forbidden weapons were carried on board by passengers."

Impact on Securitas

Securitas acknowledged that there is speculation in the media and the world of finance regarding the effects of this week's terrible events on the security provider.

Securitas said: "Suggestions range from presumed large claims for damages to fantastic business deals as a result of an increased requirement for security. We are gathering our resources in order to help in any way we can in the immediate crisis and will not take part in any form of speculation.

"We have delivered security and handled associated risks for 150 years and have learned that prosperity grows better in a peaceful world than in a world at war that is terror-filled. It is prosperity that in its turn generates demand for our services.

"No individual or single organisation alone can fight evil or change the world. But we can all do something. Our responsibility in Securitas is to continue to strive to deliver first-rate security and by doing that, make our contribution to a better future," said Securitas.

Links
Securitas to acquire Burns