360 Defence Limited News

The terror attacks in Glasgow have seen 100 North-east companies turn to a specialist security firm for help.

Aberdeen's reputation as the oil capital of Europe means many are wondering whether it could be a target for terrorists.

And the botched attack on Glasgow Airport on June 30 has focused the minds of some North-east business bosses.

Helensburgh-based terrorism expert 360 Defence has seen a huge amount of business from the Aberdeen area since June 30.

The firm has links with the UK and US security services and is made up of people who trained in the Israeli security services, the world's most experienced anti-terror operators.

Since the Glasgow attack it has had around 2,200 hits on its website a week from the North-east and almost 100 companies have called for advice.

The firm's defence director Simon Leila said: "We get a lot of business from Aberdeen.

"We always had some but it has definitely increased a lot since the summer.

"Most of it is from oil companies who feel particularly threatened."

The company offers advice from increasing the security of offices, rigs and boats, to dealing with the aftermath of a bomb attack.

Mr Leila said: "Rigs are particularly vulnerable because they are so exposed.

"Oil companies need to have systems in place to prepare for an attack on a rig and keep traffic out at sea.

"Boats are also vulnerable, mainly as they can potentially carry a bomb to a rig."

But he said that offices and headquarters are also potential targets.

And he said: "We help companies draw up contingency plans to operate after an attack on their offices.

"We even prepare companies for a nuclear attack. It's going to happen somewhere someday."

Mr Leila said the biggest security threat was a lack of observation by staff.

"Staff need to be as watchful, as they would be when they drive a car, and report anything different or suspicious.

"That's the same for Joe Public. You may think it's nothing, but if 300 people lose their lives in a bomb blast you will feel terrible, or could be dead yourself."

The firm also gives self defence training for people going to places like Nigeria where they might be taken hostage.

"Hostage taking is an increasing problem. In Nigeria it is just to earn some cash, but in the Middle East it is far different. Usually there it is a desire to get publicity."

Stopping information theft is also on his list of requests.

IT systems can prevent security breaches by people passing themselves off as employees to get information.

dmaddox@ajl.co.uk