MOBILE security guards who provide cover for shops, bars and firms in Brighton and Hove are being subjected to tougher scrutiny.

The partnership devoted to reducing business crime in Brighton and Hove has launched the first accreditation scheme for mobile support units in the city.

A fluctuating list of more than ten security companies operates such units – typically a 24-hour security guard response service for clients.

The new voluntary accreditation scheme, set up by Brighton and Hove Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), sets out standards for training and practice.

Sarah Morris, the BCRP co-ordinator who co-developed the scheme, said the aim was to get different companies working to the same high standards in providing a service that is largely unregulated by the security industry itself.

She added: “The core companies here always operate to high standards but you always get security companies opening up.

“I think we would want to be sure they are all sticking to these points – particularly the vulnerability training and the duty of care.”

BCRP’s accreditation scheme has three levels – bronze, silver, and gold – with requirements ranging from having first aid kits in cars to helping someone who may be a target of sexual violence.

Having security support can be a condition on a premises’ licence, and the units are often called to help with matters such as a person who has been told to leave but is refusing, or to keep an eye out if the place is very busy.

Ms Morris added: “When we go to new businesses the first thing they often say is, ‘which one [unit] do you recommend’? We are not allowed to recommend – but now we can say this company is accredited to this level.”

BCRP staff including Ms Morris work closely with police and firms and regularly go out with police on weekends – one of the ways they can check if units live up to their accreditation.

Pagoda Security of Newhaven was the first to achieve gold accreditation.

Managing director Lee Craig said: “To achieve the gold is good from a business point of view because it means you are providing a service to the client in something that has not been governed. Now they have assurance of value and quality.”