FIVE people have been arrested in a police crackdown on private security firms which are not run legitimate- ly.

In a joint operation with the Department for Work and Pensions, Merseyside police officers yesterday executed warrants at seven addresses and arrested men, aged 35, 19, 51, 45 and 50, from Kensington, St Helens, Toxteth and Wavertree.

The latest arrests follow the launch of Operation Seahog by Merseyside Police in August last year, to tackle security firms which fail to adhere to regulations set down in the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) 2001.

In the past year, officers and represent- atives from partner agencies have carried out visits to 620 construction sites and executed 56 warrants.

A total of 51 private security companies have been investigated for offences contrary to the PSIA and 138 people have been convicted of working without a Security Industry Authority licence.

Chief Inspector Ray Beirne said: “Merseyside Police will not stand back and let security firms that are not being run legitim- ately get a foothold in Merseyside at the expense of legitimate businesses.”

The five arrested men were taken to police stations on Merseyside where they are today being questioned by detectives.