INVESTIGATORS & SECURITY CONSULTANTS

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Surelock Brand Protection

This week some of our Brand Protection Team attended the ACG (Anti-Counterfeiting Group) Road Show in London, on behalf of our clients Western Digital, Under Armour and LVMH (Watches & Perfumes). It is always good to engage with delegates from The Police, PIPCU, Trading Standards and UKBF, whose assistance we greatly appreciate. 

During this past year, we have been directly responsible for some of the biggest seizures of counterfeit designer wear, high end watches and perfumes ever seen in UK, working with the authorities to take these sometimes-dangerous products off the streets and assisting in the prosecution of major criminal gangs.

A great deal of hard work and professionalism goes into these operations, test buys, surveillance, undercover work and research, then working in partnership with The City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), who progress the investigations and carry out the enforcement actions and prosecutions.

This is in addition to the regular work we do with respective Trading Standards Officers all over UK who have faced government cutbacks but still manage to work so hard in protecting the consumers.

We are fortunate to have a very dedicated team, drawn from Police, Trading Standards and the Private Sector, backed up by professional undercover and surveillance operatives, that’s why we can offer a service second to none.

Watch this space, there are other major investigations due to conclude very soon !

Nobody wants consumers to be the victim of counterfeit substandard goods that could harm them or leave them out of pocket especially at Christmas time, so it’s always worth looking out for those tell-tale signs. Be aware of cheap prices, take note of where the product is being sold and pay attention to the packaging and labelling of the items, it is easy to compare with the genuine products online.

We always say that if something is too good to be true, it usually is.

Surelock are specialists in Brand Protection and protect our client’s intellectual property rights, conducting numerous investigations and online take downs worldwide, working with the authorities on enforcement action and prosecutions – take a look at our brand protection services.

If you need help building a brand protection strategy for your business or with pro-active investigations to help stop counterfeits, then please do not hesitate to get in touch, we are always happy to talk and advise.

Surelock – Physical Penetration Tests

As can be seen from recent posts, we at Surelock carry out numerous security surveys of domestic or business premises. The site perimeter, integrity of buildings and vulnerability of individual rooms are examined in detail together with existing physical/electronic measures and procedures already in place to reduce crime. 

Apart from the obvious benefit of minimising losses, this will also provide increased peace of mind to staff or residents and from the business perspective is likely to lead to happier work environment, increased efficiency, improved image with customers and sometimes lower insurance premiums.

BUT following the survey how often do you get your security measures tested, to see if they work?

Covert penetration tests are an important way for businesses to identify any weaknesses in the physical security of their premises (e.g., warehouses and offices) that could be exploited by criminals. 

Our highly experienced covert operatives will test your security to the full.

During the operation, our experts will covertly try to bypass any security guards, reception areas, cameras, locks, fences, or other security measures to gain entry and demonstrate how they could potentially reach restricted areas undetected. 

The whole operation will be covertly recorded for training purposes and a detailed report of our findings will be provided.

Sometimes, with full authority of the client, they will observe staff entering and exiting the building, view their security pass and make a professional copy, to assist them gaining entry.

Of course, if our agent is unable to gain entry this proves the security measures in place are working.

If you need help with your security measures do not hesitate to contact us – give us a call to discuss on 0333 6000 300 or email [email protected] 

Surelock’s Security Surveys

It is a sad fact that as winter approaches with the darker nights and Christmas on it’s way, crime is more prevalent, we are hearing stories of families waking up in the night and hearing someone in the house, vehicles being stolen or broken into while parked locked on the drive, and employees arriving at work the find the office ransacked and items stolen.

Thieves come in all shapes and sizes, the professional who meticulously plans their crimes, the smash and grab gangs targeting high value items, then opportunist thieves who just stroll the streets trying to identify an easy target, or the walk-in thief.

Security always seems to come second with little budget, until something goes wrong, do not wait for an incident to happen, prevent it with a security survey. Recovering from a burglary, theft, vandalism on business premises or in the home costs you a fortune but can be reduced by effective security. Prevention is better than cure and most definitely less expensive.

High value thefts are commonplace, targeting celebrities’ homes or homes of footballers when they are away playing a game, these thieves are often violent putting families at risk, but even those who earn a small fortune do not look after their own security.

Surelock has many years’ experience in the field of security surveys / risk assessments, examining your existing security, identifying failures and recommending future installations.  

Apart from the obvious benefit of minimising losses, this will also provide increased peace of mind to your family, staff or residents and from the business perspective is likely to lead to happier work environment, increased efficiency, improved image with customers and sometimes lower insurance premiums.

Our surveyor will carry out a full survey of your home or business premises. The site perimeter, integrity of buildings and vulnerability of individual rooms are examined in detail together with existing physical/electronic measures and procedures already in place to reduce crime. We have found alarm systems that do not work, CCTV cameras that are hidden and view blocked, recording systems that are out of date.

Our easy-to-read illustrated report summarises the findings of the survey, quantitatively assesses the overall vulnerability of the premises, highlights areas at risk and offers appropriate and cost-effective suggestions as to how these may be addressed in the form of a prioritised Action List.

Our surveyors are fully accredited by the appropriate bodies under Home Office guidelines and have the necessary security clearance with over 30 years of experience.

Whether it be domestic / home or business / office, if you have a need for a security survey do not hesitate to contact us, we will discuss all the options, so you know the costs and exactly what is involved.

You will be in safe hands, so if you require this professional service, please contact us to discuss  https://www.surelock.org/contact-us  don’t wait until it is too late, spend a little now instead of a lot after an incident.

Surelock’s Brand Protection Work

Surelock are one of the most pro-active and successful Brand Protection Companies in the UK, dealing with intellectual property right investigations on behalf of the clients we represent, both online and in the marketplace, we have been engaged in this specialist work for over 22 years.

Active members of the Association of British Investigators https://www.theabi.org.uk , the Anti-counterfeiting Group http://www.a-cg.org  and sponsors of the National Markets Group http://www.realdealmarkets.co.uk  we work hard, and together with our colleagues especially at this time of year when counterfeits are rife.

With a team of professional qualified investigators, experienced surveillance and undercover operatives we have achieved significant successes for our clients over this past year: –

  • The largest seizure ever in UK of high-end watches and designer goods,
  • One of the largest seizures of famous named perfumes,
  • The largest online seller of high-end watches,
  • Historically the largest POCA award for IP crime.

Our clients include most of the world’s music artists and the merchandising companies who represent them, world renowned luxury brands, watches, jewelry, perfume and cosmetic companies, sportswear brands, iconic characters and the major US Sports teams, well known brands, and the manufacturers of the world’s most popular cigarette lighters, all of whom have trusted us to look after their brand protection for many years.

Our aim has always been to utilise a specialist surveillance team to covertly gather evidence of counterfeits being sold in the marketplace, the High Street, wholesalers, and manufacturers making test purchases and then identifying where the stock is being stored. Our enforcement team of trained investigators then carry out raids with the respective authorities, seizing all offending merchandise, authenticating these and supply evidence for prosecutions. 

We have a dedicated online team who deal with infringements on the internet worldwide either by having the sites taken down or carrying out test purchases, identifying where they are operating from for enforcement or other legal action.

We also work alongside UKBF identifying counterfeits goods coming into the UK usually from China, Turkey and more, making detentions and having these goods destroyed after they have been authenticated as fake.

Your hard work and brand are worth protecting, if you need advice or you have a counterfeit problem, please contact us https://www.surelock.org/contact-us

Surelock the Dangers of Buying Counterfeit Products

With Christmas rapidly approaching it is good to be prepared, and not to get duped into buying cheap, inferior and sometimes dangerous counterfeits, or even scammed completely, losing your money.

There are massive dangers that come with buying things such as fake vapes/ cigarettes and fake make-up / cosmetics, which can be dangerous because they use materials that have been deemed to be harmful. Electrical goods, mobile phone chargers manufactured in China pose a serious risk of fire.

Some clothing, particularly for children of their favorite characters have serious safety hazards because they are flammable and/or give off toxic fumes. The chemicals they contain are the same ones that have been banned through their links to cot death. Sub-standard children’s toys can also cause injuries.

There are times when cheap jewelry has caused serious and life-threatening allergic reactions, and there are many similar cases where cheap and counterfeit makeup and hair dye has caused reactions that scar a person for life and have even led to death. The risks are not worth the small amount of money you save.

Dishonest people know which brands consumers like, and they produce fake products that look similar to the genuine brand. Many also use the brand logo or copy everything about the product to make it look authentic. 

You may think you are getting a bargain, but in the long run you are not, as the quality of the counterfeits is not good and will not last.

The weekend markets and boot fairs will be getting very busy in the next months, often with stalls crammed full of counterfeits of the latest popular brands, please be careful what you buy.

It is commonplace nowadays to buy online, ensure you are buying from a credible outlet, the price may seem cheap, check it with the genuine products and their official web sites.

It is fair to say if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!!! Some consumers do not worry about buying counterfeits, well that is their choice…

SURELOCK are one of the UK’s most pro-active brand protection companies and with our colleagues in The ACG – https://www.a-cg.org we will be working hard to keep the counterfeits off of the marketplace.

Surelock’s Surveillance Services

Surveillance is a major part of our business and integral to many investigations, to prove or disprove the fears of our clients or just to gather intelligence / evidence.

Whether it be corporate, accident injury or domestic / cheating partner surveillance we can help. 

We would try to deploy a team of at least 3 operatives or more if the operation requires it, we always say “You cannot make surveillance happen, it has to be intelligence led”, this produces the best results and saves the client money in the long run.

Once contacted we fully explain our surveillance services to the client, particular if they are a member of the public, we discuss their needs and let them know if we think it is feasible.

Our surveillance teams have years of experience in the private sector with experience gained from training in the police and armed services, using the most advanced technology, including drones and high-quality covert equipment. Located all over the UK they have been handpicked, able to deploy fairly quickly for the needs of our clients, these teams work extremely hard to gather intelligence and evidence for the benefit of those instructing us.

Ron Harrison our Managing Director has been involved in surveillance for over 50 years, whilst in the Police on specialist squads and since privately, he personally takes charge of every surveillance operation keeping the clients informed every step of the way, often sending images soon as soon as they are taken, to ensure we are watching the right person.

All our surveillance is legal, covertly recorded in a public place, we keep the client informed of the findings, supplying a detailed log of events with selected photos, a full unedited recording is also available if required.

Much surveillance nowadays is domestic / cheating partner surveillance, sadly in our experience this usually only takes a day’s work to prove the clients’ worst suspicions.

Accident injury surveillance will prove or disprove a claimant’s injuries or sickness, this saves the client’s £1000’s in the long run.

Corporate surveillance is carried out for the benefit of the client’s business, is an employee working for someone else, are they sick or perhaps working at a rival business or passing valuable information on to competitors.

Investigative surveillance assists the authorities in carrying out enforcement actions and prosecutions.

Our operatives can give evidence in Court or other legal proceedings, we have in fact been commended by the Courts for the precise and detailed records we keep.

If you have a surveillance need do not hesitate to contact us, we will discuss all the options, so you know the costs and exactly what is involved.

You will be in safe hands, so if you require this professional service or even just a chat about your problems, please contact us https://www.surelock.org/contact-us or give us a call on 0333 6000 300.

Some Of Our Endorsements From Satisfied Clients

We will always try and achieve the best possible results for our clients, we do not do it to get thanks but when we do it is gratefully received and a boost to our team.

Following a successful operation with PIPCU and seizure of £200 million of counterfeits, a pat on the back makes our work so much more worthwhile – “Thanks to our amazing team of investigators Surelock Investigators and Security Consultants led by Ron Harrison and their continued efforts to protect our brands.”  From the Head of Brand Protection at LVMH

“Sometimes in life things happen which one is unable to manage without the assistance of professionals. In my case the service I received from Surelock was extremely helpful. I am very impressed and grateful to the inspectors for their expert advice and support, and definitely made the right decision in seeking Surelock services. I would like to express my gratitude to all involved and if ever needed help again I would not hesitate to contact them.” From a Grateful Client

Ron used my services as a client, and I was impressed with his professionalism and care he showed for his client he entrusted to me. The investigation provided useful results and led to good outcome for all. Computer Forensics Expert

 I have known Ron and the team at Surelock for well over 10 years. Ron represents many well-known international brands. He has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in the world of brand protection / anti-counterfeiting, and is very results-focused in his work. Ron is professional, trustworthy and always a pleasure to deal with. Experienced IP lawyer

I have worked with Ron and Surelock for several years in my role as MD of Bravado – the world’s largest music merchandise company. Not just is he efficient and professional but he is very driven and is a real achiever delivering consistently good results. Ron is also a top guy and a pleasure to work with. Managing Director Bravado

We have worked with Ronald and his company for several years now and have a fantastic working relationship with him. Always very professional and expects the highest of standards for all his work. Ronald Harrison’s experience and knowledge within this sector seems to be limitless and this knowledge, especially for the laws and legislation within the investigatory field, gives each and every one of his client’s 110% reassurance with their tasks. We look forward to many more years working closely with him. Director of Security Company

Surelock are always our first port of call on any asset management issues. They have always been highly professional and very effective whenever we have instructed them. Clients to whom we have recommended them say the same. Ron Harrison is a pleasure to work with and exceptionally knowledgeable in his field. Specialist employment Lawyer

My connections with Ron Harrison and Surelock go back over 10 years and have continued on a good and mutually respected business footing since then. Our relationship is based on being their Northern region providers of security and investigation consultancy services, dealing with their blue-chip clients. My task was made easier by being able to discuss progress or problems with the investigation with them at any time so that unnecessary time was not wasted before being able to conclude the task. I have enjoyed without reservation being linked to Surelock and the team and I have no hesitation in recommending Surelock and Ron Harrison in particular to those who wish to avail themselves of Surelocks services. Fellow Director of Investigation Company

Facing a somewhat complicated situation that required a pragmatic approach at the same time as extreme sensitivity, I was very grateful to have access to Ronald’s experience. His integrity is absolutely unquestionable, and I do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone requiring a significant level of very practical experience in an unusual field, along with an intelligent application of his extensive knowledge. In-House consultant to overseas Royal Family

Ronald’s work is that of a true professional, detailing every step of his operation. He is trustworthy, reliable and is an absolute pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Ronald for his services at hand. Head of Licensing for Famous US celebrity

We have worked with Ronald Harrison of Surelock on a big project. It was a great pleasure to work with him. He proved to be very serious about his work and attentive towards the people he works with. He uses a collaborative approach in trying to solve any issue arising throughout the project and always is fair, honest and transparent. It would be an honour to have the chance to work with Ronald again and I would recommend him for any other partnership without any hesitation. Director of Investigation in Azerbaijan

Ron and I met 35 years ago when he was with Scotland Yard and I was with the FBI. We have remained friends since we met and have been doing private investigations together since we both retired. He is a true professional and an excellent investigator. Former Senior FBI Agent and US Private Investigator

Couldn’t have asked for a better PI. Ron is incredibly responsive, professional, and offered great advice. The service he conducted was done with impeccable timing, and should you be looking for a locating service, I would personally recommend this company. Private client, member of the public 

So if you are looking for help with any of our Core Services, please contact us https://www.surelock.org/contact-us we will informally discuss all the options and advise on the best way forward.

Surelock’s Security Surveys

In this day and age thieves come in all shapes and sizes, the professional who meticulously plans their crimes, the smash and grab gangs targeting high value items, then opportunist thieves who just stroll the streets trying to identify an easy target, or the walk-in thief.

Sadly, Security always seems to come second with little budget, until something goes wrong, do not wait for an incident to happen, prevent it with a security survey. Burglary, theft and vandalism on business premises or in the home can be reduced by effective security. 

Prevention is better than cure and most definitely less expensive.

High value thefts are commonplace, targeting celebrities’ homes or homes of footballers when they are away playing a game, these thieves are often violent putting families at risk.

Surelock has many years’ experience in the field of security surveys / risk assessments, examining your existing security, identifying failures and recommending future installations.  

Apart from the obvious benefit of minimising losses, this will also provide increased peace of mind to your family, staff or residents and from the business perspective is likely to lead to happier work environment, increased efficiency, improved image with customers and sometimes lower insurance premiums.

Our surveyor will carry out a full survey of your home or business premises. The site perimeter, integrity of buildings and vulnerability of individual rooms are examined in detail together with existing physical/electronic measures and procedures already in place to reduce crime. We have found alarm systems that do not work, CCTV cameras that are hidden and view blocked, recording systems that are out of date.

Our easy-to-read illustrated report summarises the findings of the survey, quantitatively assesses the overall vulnerability of the premises, highlights areas at risk and offers appropriate and cost-effective suggestions as to how these may be addressed in the form of a prioritised Action List.

Our surveyors are fully accredited by the appropriate bodies under Home Office guidelines and have the necessary security clearance with over 30 years of experience.

Whether it be domestic / home or business / office, if you have a need for a security survey do not hesitate to contact us, we will discuss all the options, so you know the costs and exactly what is involved.

You will be in safe hands, so if you require this professional service, please contact us to discuss  https://www.surelock.org/contact-us don’t wait until it is too late.

Surelock’s Bug Sweeps

Electronic Countermeasures Sweeps (Bug Sweeps) this is a professional service we are called upon more regularly nowadays, mainly by corporate businesses but also some private clients, especially with as cyber security is so important in this modern day and age.

Please be careful when arranging this specialist service, there are companies out there with little or no experience who will charge you a small fortune. It is so easy to purchase equipment off the internet or from an electrical retailer, then sell this service to unsuspecting clients who think you are experts.

Listening devices and covert cameras can so easily be purchased, most often coming from China, these are easy to install, but there are also sophisticated devices that are professionally installed and can sit there dormant until they are required when they are remotely activated. The threat level is changing regularly so you have to be careful.

Qualified Eletronic Countermeasures Engineers scaled 1

Surelock has a dedicated engineer who has over 30 years’ experience, both in the police and as an electronic engineer, and a backup team, most of his equipment is purpose built. We conduct a full electronic sweep of the premises, then using handheld wands for near field examinations of the respective rooms / offices, computers, and telephone equipment, finally very importantly a finger-tip search examining power supplies, ceiling tiles, thus when we complete an ECS search we can tell you if there is anything there or we will evidence what was found.

We have also identified GSM mobile phones being used more, the client is engaged interviewing someone, who at the conclusion asks to use the bathroom, leaving their mobile in the room. This can be accessed remotely so they can hear what is being said about them.

We can also sweep your car for covert listening devices / cameras and trackers which are now commonly used by criminals and those wishing to gather intelligence about you.

At the end of the operation, we can genuinely tell the client that there is nothing there or indeed find out that there was, that is what our clients rely on! What you say in private is your business, keeping it that way is ours.

Our clients of many years range from Law Firms, Blue Chip Companies, Local Authorities, Premier League Football Clubs, Celebrities and Private Individuals, they are not hiding anything illegal but just wish to protect their business or home, especially when important decisions / boards meetings are taking place.

Your privacy is worth protecting, if you have a need for this professional service, please contact us https://www.surelock.org/contact-us

Surelock – Can I afford to use a Private Detective?

Potential clients are often in a desperate state when they consider using a Private Detective, they will search the internet and usually make contact with the first one that attracts their eye, but in the back of their mind they are thinking “Can I afford this”.

We at Surelock work to an hourly rate, we have not changed this for years and are certainly not the most expensive in the business, we will put you at ease. fully explain costs from the outset and email a copy of our rates for the particular service required and our terms and conditions.

Whether you are a private business or an individual, it is a big step to employ a Private Investigator, when you do it is probably because you have a serious problem, we will discuss fully the situation you face, and how we can help, if we cannot help, we will tell you straightaway. 

Make sure the company you are about to use are members of a credible organisation such as The Association of British Investigators https://www.theabi.org.uk

Here at Surelock we have over 25 years’ experience in the private sector and many years experiences in the police service so there is not much we cannot help you with, the testimonials on our web site speak for themselves.

We can assist with: –

FRAUD – Our investigators have over 30 years’ experience in the Police, some have worked in the fraud squad at New Scotland Yard, we can investigate private or corporate frauds.

SURVEILLANCE – Our surveillance teams are led by career detectives or military personnel who spent most of their service on the ground learning everything there is to know about surveillance, whether it is corporate, accident injury or domestic cheating partner, we can help.

SECURITY SURVEYS – Our Security Surveyor has nearly 40 years’ experience gained in the police and is qualified to Home Office Standards, we have conducted security surveys on Government buildings, commercial premises, and private homes.

ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES SWEEPS – Our Bug Sweep Engineer has over 35 years’ experience from the Police also as an electronic engineer, instructed by large Corporates, Premier League Footballs Clubs, Law Firms and Private clients to conduct this important work.

BRAND PROTECTION – Our brand protection team has been doing this work for over 21 years both in the UK and worldwide, utilising experts from the Police and Trading Standards. With notable successes, we have an excellent working relationship with The City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) and have successfully achieved some of the biggest seizures of counterfeits ever in the UK.

AND SO MUCH MORE...

CONCLUSION – So you can see we have quite a formidable team of highly experienced operatives ready to help, regardless of what your problem is, take a look at our web site www.surelock.org

CALL US NOW – 0333 6000 300 or EMAIL – [email protected] even if it is only for advice, we are happy to chat.