Scramble received the following message from Richard McDade, who works for Stansted's Aviation Security Team, and is also part of Plane Watch, adressed to all who are planning a visit to London Stansted:
At London-Stansted airport we are experiencing increasing difficulties with aviation enthusiasts along the security fence adjacent to Universal Aviation and Building 130 (the airside entrance gate), located within the Stansted Business Park (Northside) area of Stansted Airport. Some people are parking their own vehicles in the Universal and Inflite Staff Car Parks. People have been seen walking along the fence line, moving pieces of furniture and using them to view over the fence. People have also been seen standing on vehicles, and moving picnic benches up to the fence and so on.
Whilst in the past, Universal have been happy to allow people into their grounds to view aircraft, this luxury has now be withdrawn with immediate effect. This is due to the increase in incidents whereby people are not considering the views of the businesses, adhering to signs and creating security risks.
The car park outside Universal is private property and must not be entered. Moving benches, which are provided for their staff, to create viewing platforms is not acceptable. Neither is standing on step ladders on benches either.
I have been informed that enthusiasts have been caught on the roof of the Universal building, having climbed up the fire exit stairs, then pulling themselves onto the roof. This is extremely dangerous, and creates a security risk which may warrant an Armed Police Response.
Whilst I fully understand and always praise Plane Watch members to these businesses, I would be extremely disappointed to find any members being involved in such incidents. I strongly suspect that the persons responsible are NOT members and I therefore fully encourage members to forward this email onto anyone who can assist with is dissemination across the wider aviation networks.
I take this opportunity to remind every visitor to the Airport that there is a list of Byelaws in place, which will be enforced. They relate to Prohibition Notices, Causing Annoyance, Climbing Fences and so on. There is a strict limit of having ladders and so on within a 3 metre distance of the perimeter fence.
Should anyone wish to discuss the matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards
Richard.
Pc 1731 Richard McDade
Aviation Security Team / Stansted Airport Police
Enterprise House Bassingbourn Road
Stansted Airport
Essex CM24 1PS
Email – richard.mcdade@essex.pnn.police.uk
Plane Watch – stanstedplanewatch@essex.pnn.police.uk