Connect Security supplies fully trained security patrol dogs and handlers to complement other security measures used to guard a variety of premises. Only specially bred dogs are used, with each taking around 3 months to train. The company works alongside other companies to provide a complete security service - supplying uniformed security officers, guard dog handlers and liveried vans for a high visibility deterrent.

A brief history of Connect Security:
It all started back in 1994 a fully employed security officer decided that he could do a much better job on his own. So, Andrew Reason ‘took the plunge’ and began work as a freelance dog-handler - now, ten years on, Andrew Reason is Managing Director of probably the largest privately-owned dog section in the country, Connect Security Ltd.

It’s a story of one man and his dog - Andrew and German Shepherd, Lester. The two of them freed themselves of the confines and routine of working for someone else and offered themselves to the open market.“ Many people make the ‘break’ from permanent employment and as they know - it’s an uncertain time and you do wonder if you have done the right thing,” said Andrew. “Lester and I were based in my Escort van - dog cage in the back my office’ in the front! But we needn't have worried, as the need for individual dog handlers to work on both ad hoc and longer term contracts was growing and the work flooded in - we were working long days and what seemed even longer nights!” Andrew soon found that he needed more room and more space - so admin support was brought in and a move into a garage, soon followed by a small office in Wellingborough accompanied by further growth nd the employment of other dog handlers and security officers - then an operations manager and a training director.“ Now, as we move into our 2,500sq t office accommodation, I look back and smile when I think of the old van,” laughed Andrew. “We have come such a long way and I am very proud of our achievements. We have around 75 dog handlers and 30 security staff - all based at a variety of locations across the country, also have a dedicated 2-acre, training ground just outside Wellingborough and a great office-based support team. Even thought I say it myself - we’re in pretty good shape for the future!”

What does the future bring for Connect Security:
“Our industry as a whole has long been viewed as a bunch of ‘heavies’ but at Connect, we have always operated within good practice guidelines and are now welcoming the Government’s introduction of licensing for all security officers and dog handlers. This system is used for professional doormen and has successfully rid the business of the unlawful bullies - we believe this will also be the case for our sector. As we have always used stringent checks and given extensive training, licensing will not cause us any great concern - just the comfort of knowing that the ‘cowboy’ operators will not longer exist, and that’s good news for the industry and customers.”