Joining forces to beat the crooks

Published 20 Jul 2010 10:00

CROOKS who try to profit from doing business in the area are in the crosshairs of the police and the council after a groundbreaking agreement.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) became the latest authority to sign up to an Information Sharing Protocol (ISP) designed to stop firms run by criminals - or with criminal links - from winning council contracts.

The ISP is run with Strathclyde Police to share details of companies and ensure that law breakers cannot profit from the public purse.

David McMillan, WDC chief executive, and Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton, signed the document last week, which sets out how and when the police will share information with the council.

The agreement will initially be used when "taxi and security firms" are looking to place bids for contracts with the council.

The police will then assist and identify any companies which are linked to money laundering and serious and organised crime to ensure no contracts are awarded to any company or person responsible for or benefiting from serious and organised crime.

Speaking after the agreement was signed, Mr McMillan said: "I am delighted to give the go-ahead to this protocol to further strengthen the already excellent relationship we enjoy with Strathclyde Police and to help us actively fight organised crime and protect the public purse by being informed by the police of anyone placing a contract tender who has been involved in criminal activity."

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 20 Jul 10

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