Case Studies
G8 SUMMIT, JULY 2005, SCOTLAND
Some of the worlds most powerful leaders were gathering at the renowned Gleneagles hotel for the G8 summit. Security would have to be tight, both at the hotel and in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Intelligence was suggesting that the countries capital was to be targeted by anti capitalists protesters from all over the world, intent on causing damage to property, and all out mayhem.
Two of our clients with prominent sites in Edinburgh approached FRSS and raised concerns that they may be the focus of attacks due to their global standing. One of our clients outlets had been petrol bombed during protests in Geneva when the G8 summit was held there, so their concerns were well founded. A meeting was held, led by the members of our team with first hand experience of the riot’s in London and Geneva, and a plan was drawn up.
On a daily basis our research team analysed media and press reports and began scouring the internet monitoring the sites set up by groups intent on causing trouble. Under cover FRSS operatives were placed into hostels and campsites in and around the area to gather information which was then passed onto our logistics team based in a rented flat in Edinburgh’s city centre. The information being received, was that Edinburgh was set to come under siege. Business’s in the district would be targeted, especially those on the main shopping streets, Princes Street and George Street.
We returned to our clients with the information we had collated and meetings were held to discuss our findings.
Our clients primary concern was for the safety of their staff, and property, alongside the loss of trade. So a plan was implemented to allow their outlet’s to trade as normal, with no risk to customers or staff.
Scaffolding was erected outside the sites we were employed to protect. Wooden hoarding was then placed around the scaffolding, with reinforced doors at each of the entrances. These entrances would be manned by our security teams at all times enabling the reinforced door’s to be closed and locked if necessary, but still allowing trade to continue when deemed safe. Our first line of defence was in place. Although the hoarding didn’t exactly enhance our clients window display which by now was completely covered, it was a necessary evil. The hoarding would stop the windows being smashed, and prevent falling glass, injuring customers, staff and protesters, as well as reducing the temptation of protesters to throw large objects in the direction of our clients premises. Now the outside of our building was secure we had to turn our attention to the inside.
Checks were carried out to ensure the correct fire extinguishers were in place. We were aware that some protesters would try and use incendiary devices and flammable liquids and we needed to be equipped to deal with this type of fire, if it arose. Meeting points were arranged and the staff were briefed on evacuation procedures. Fire exits and escape routes were checked regularly. Extra first aid kits were placed in appropriate areas, and extra CCTV was placed around vulnerable area’s of the sites. All that was left to do now was put our team in place and wait.
On the morning of the G8, Princes Street was eerily quiet. There was an air of trepidation. The usual din of early morning commuter’s rushing to work was replaced by a loud silence. Our team took their positions within the three locations we were protecting, tested our radios, and carried out some final checks.
In the distance the sound of police sirens could be heard, followed by the distant sound of carnival music. Our spotter’s radioed to say a large group of protesters were making their way from the city’s West End towards Princes Street. We took our positions and waited.
Gradually as the music became louder a large crowd became visible, a sinister mix, 500 strong. Clowns with faces painted and bells attached, followed by rogue armies of bandits, afghan scarves covering their faces, hoods up. At this point I looked around at the team we had in place. I knew no matter what happened these guys had my back, I had theirs, and our clients had nothing to fear, we were up for it.
Within minutes of the crowd reaching princes street, one of the protesters had managed to lift a loose piece of paving from the central reservation in the road and throw it directly at a shop window, then- all hell broke loose.
The police were quick to act. Batons drawn they charged the crowd, which began to disperse, spilling over into the Princes Street Gardens. The police gave the signal for us to lock our doors, which we did, bolting ourselves inside our huge wooden fortress. We then escorted customers and staff out through one of our pre arranged exits at the back of the store, keeping them away from the running battles between protesters and police, allowing them to head home and watch the rest of the drama unfold from the comfort and safety of their armchairs, in their front rooms.
For two days, 24 hours a day the FRSS G8 team watched the riots first hand, front row seats. We saw riot police from every force in Britain take to the streets with sniffer dogs, CCTV vans, and on horseback. We witnessed police being attacked with everything from bricks to bins, and steel poles. Despite the violence, attacks and protests, our forward planning meant the safety of our clients customers and staff were never in jeopardy, their buildings remained intact and our intelligence hit the mark. Job done.
The footage our spotters recorded running with the protester’s, enabled us to make a video for our client’s to use as a training tool, giving security managers in other countries an idea of what to expect in future protests, and how to prepare. This case study will self destruct….