The Challenge
Mitie’s Intelligence Hub identified potential protest action activity targeted towards a client’s sporting event from Just Stop Oil (JSO). The Intelligence indicated that there was a recruitment / protest action workshop being held prior to the event at a known nearby location. It was thought this recruitment drive and planning opportunity was to target the event.
The client wanted to ascertain whether the intelligence from Mitie was actionable, understand the subjects at the workshop and specific plans to target the event with any direct protest action in general, and more specifically to mitigate any impact to the event. They also wanted to understand additional details that may be involved in such as vehicles, meeting points etc. to assist with mitigation measures that need to be considered.
A specific requirement was that any work we carried out on their behalf should not impede or interfere with any Police matter or investigation. The Police can work covertly and therefore it is not always easy to identify Police activity. The surveillance team were cognisant or this during our work and took actions appropriate at the time.
The Solution
Based on the intelligence, Esoteric conducted initial reconnaissance allowing a thorough understanding of the proposed premises and surrounding area.
From this, we proposed to carry out surveillance* using a team in order to confirm or deny any planned protesting specific to the event. This work involved the identification of individuals, vehicles, and places of interest, such as cafes and train stations.
Objectives and actions :
- Using trained and experience covert capability, to deploy inside the location to observe the discussions during the Direct-Action Workshop and wherever possible obtain video footage / stills /recordings of the events.
- Conduct covert surveillance external to the premises to observe arrivals and leavers (there were multiple exit / entry points of approach so we may be limited in full observations).
The Result
Using this operational approach, key people were identified along with supporting vehicles, and intelligence from our reconnaissance and surveillance work was provided to the client to inform their event security team. The surveillance confirmed that the staff within the premises were extremely proactive and supportive of JSO/XR. A direct-action workshop with employees was confirmed on a date prior to the event and no intended protest action was identified.
*Surveillance Procedures -> All of our counter surveillance procedures are undertaken in accordance with current legislation requirements and codes of practice such as the Data (use and Access) Act 2025, the RIPA Act 2000, the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act and the Bribery Act 2010. We operate a clear guideline policy on the covert recording, and storage of data in relation to surveillance subjects. Should you require all original evidence to be handed to you either throughout or at the conclusion of the project, please let me know. Alternatively, evidence will be retained and stored securely by Esoteric Ltd inline with our Data Retention policy at which stage it will be securely destroyed in line with our business procedures.
