An unexpected security need seems to have arisen with the BBC moving to its new Salford headquarters.

Staff at the new Media City in Salford Quays, are being offered personal security guards to escort them back to their cars and tram stops when they leave their new place of work.

The news of this has annoyed and astounded many people in the area, especially when you consider that the crime rate at their previous home in Shepherd’s Bush was actually higher than in Salford.

Many BBC staff members have been making no secret of their displeasure at moving to the new premises. Several high profile presenters, such as Sian Williams and Chris Hollins refused to move, and have therefore been replaced.

Over the last twelve months, there have been a number of incidents that have raised concerns with both management and staff. These incidents include: a member of staff being shot at with an air rifle, a producer being chased and threatened by youths, countless thefts from vehicles of high value electronic equipment, and graffiti and mindless damage to property.

At the White City site, the car parks are manned by security as well as entrants requiring a valid pass to enter. The tube station is also only a matter of yards away from the facility. The offer of extra security is especially for people arriving or leaving early in the morning, or late on a night.

An unlicensed security guard was recently fined £250 in his absence, for working without an SIA license. Sorin Popa, 32, was also fined £50 for making a false statement, and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge during the hearing at Newcastle Magistrate’s Court.

When questioned by investigators from the SIA, Popa claimed that he was working as a cleaner and not as a security guard.

The SIA’s head of investigation, Nathan Salmon, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to pursue companies and individuals who continue to break the law. Individuals and companies need to have the appropriate SIA license when carrying out security duties, regardless of the individual’s job title.

Popa was employed by Romaguard Security (UK), who were part of a wider, successful SIA investigation earlier in the year.