Forensic firm cleans up from grisly crime scenes

He has made an unusual business out of Ireland's rising violent crime rate as he is now considered the go-to-guy when tragedy strikes and a crime scene needs to be cleaned up urgently.

Reilly set up Forensic Cleaning Services Ireland with his business partner Micheal Holahan in 2011. With over 10 years' experience of working in the fire and flood damage restoration sector they decided to diversify after identifying a gap in the market for a specialist firm offering crime scene cleaning expertise.

The list of cleaning services that Reilly's firm offers reads like a script from an episode of The Sopranos: "Murder scenes, stabbings, shootings, blood clean-up and sanitisation of crime scenes."

For those who can stomach it, it's a lucrative business, however. Crime scene cleaners can charge anything from €600 to €1,000 per job and entry costs to the industry are low.

No specific industry qualification or accreditation is required to set up as a crime scene cleaner in Ireland but most of the top firms operating here have completed a three-day course run by the UK's National Academy of Crime Scene Cleaners in Bristol. The course costs £750 (€950) and the academy also sells a £645 Rapid Response Kit which contains all the equipment that any would-be crime scene cleaner needs to set up in business - bio hazard suits, boots, gloves, masks, high-tech cleaning products and airtight disposal bags.

Reilly's firm offers a nationwide 24-7 emergency call-out service and most of his business comes from gardai, local authorities and insurance companies. Many of the country's biggest landlords have his number on speed-dial too.

Every day is different and every job is unique for O'Reilly: a living room in a suburban home, an upmarket hotel suite, an inner city flat or a fast-food restaurant. Wherever a violent crime occurs, he must be ready to respond at short notice.

Reilly and his team can only start their work when the garda's forensics team has completed their inquiries and the scene has been released back to the property owners.

Crime scene clean-ups involve painstaking work to detect, disinfect and completely remove all traces of bio-hazardous materials, including blood, bodily fluids, tissue and bone matter, contaminated clothing and household goods, hypodermic needles, razor blades and other items that pose a risk of injury or infection.

It is a job that demands compassion and sensitivity when working with crime survivors and family members affected by the tragic situation, said Reilly.

"We strive to remove the heartache and pain of having to clean up these situations regardless of the condition of the body or the location."

As Ireland's crime rate continues to soar, call-outs to murder scenes and violent stabbings are "now quite common" for Reilly and his team.

"It's part of our business, it's only one part of what we do, but unfortunately it is a growing part of our business," he said.

But dealing with the bloody aftermath of violent crime on a daily basis must take a huge personal toll?

"You have to disconnect yourself. You have a job to do and you need to do it, and for your own well-being you have to be professional about it and disconnect," said O'Reilly.

But the 42-year-old Galway entrepreneur readily admits he has witnessed many unpleasant sights over the past three years.

He still recalls the first call-out his company responded to - "a decomposition where someone had passed away and they had been there for a couple of months".

"That first one was a really bad one - and it does stick with you - but you have to put it to the back of your mind and move on," he said.

A number of Ireland's largest contract cleaning firms have also realised that crime does pay with many setting up crime scene cleaning units to cater for the growing demand in recent years. They have invested in special equipment and have sent staff on crime scene cleaning training courses abroad.

While it may form just a small part of their overall income, it is a vital service especially if the firm's roster of clients includes bars, nightclubs, hotels and fast-food restaurants.

Dublin-headquartered Derry Court Cleaning Specialists, one of the country's largest contract cleaning firms with over 1,000 staff, has developed a "specialised call-out team available 24/7" that is "garda vetted" to deal with crime scene clean-ups as well as garda cell cleaning.

Cork-based Lehane Environmental, another big player in the industry, has also given its staff "extensive training in crime scene clean-up, trauma scene clean-up, and blood clean-up".

But it's not just cleaning up after violent crimes that is big business nowadays. Local authorities and landlords often require the services of these specialist cleaners when vacant properties become health hazards. It is quite common for drug users, squatters or hoarders to take over a vacant property or for drug users to convert rental properties into grow houses or drug dens.

Dealing with the aftermath of such an event demands specialist training. The clean-up of drug paraphernalia and syringes, which can be costly for local authorities, is becoming far more common, especially in public areas such as car parks, parks and alleyways. Discarded needles can represent a serious health risk as used needles can transmit diseases such as HIV and hepatitis and they must be cleaned up immediately.

Walsall streets to be cleaned seven days a week to reduce costs of overtime

The streets of Walsall's five district centres will be cleaned seven days a week, as new working patterns are introduced to staff in a bid to cut costs.

Walsall Council's Clean and Green team have trialled new working patterns which have seen street cleaning staff covering the town centre every day between 6.45am and 6pm.

Officials at the authority say the move – which reduces overtime costs from weekend working – has been a success and will now be rolled out to Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Darlaston and Willenhall.

"This trial is aimed at improving the appearance of the streets of Walsall for the benefit of shoppers, residents and businesses whilst making the service more efficient," said councillor Lee Jeavons, portfolio holder for environment and transport at Walsall Council.

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"The trial working patterns means we have a longer visible presence and it is also saving the authority, and ultimately the taxpayer, money by reducing overtime costs from weekend working along with better utilisation of our fleet."

Previously, the team – which ranges from barrow men and women to sweeper drivers – worked five days a week with limited hours on Saturday and Sunday.

The pilot was scheduled to run until September, but officials say it has proved such a success that it has been extended to March 31 next year.

Additionally, the new working patterns will be trialled across the remainder of street cleaning services from October 6 to March 31, to cover the district centres and residential areas.

Councillor Jeavons added: "Results from the trial in Walsall town centre are positive, hence the extension of the pilot both in the town centre and across the wider borough."

Street cleansing work covers a wide range of jobs including litter picking, sweeping footpaths, cleaning around street furniture and lamppost columns, removal of flytipping and graffiti and cleaning of war memorials.

Cleaning service may be answer to wife's messiness

DEAR ANNIE: My wife and I have been married for 35 years. We were in our late 20s when we wed. I was living on my own, and she was living with her parents and brother in a filthy house.

My wife promised that our house would always be clean. But after 15 years, it started looking like her parents' house. She never throws anything away. I am retired and will toss things out while she is at work. Our only visitor is our daughter.

When my wife is home, she is glued to the TV, unless we are at the dinner table. I told her I'm ready to get rid of the cable box, but she said she would pay for it herself. I may take her up on that. Any suggestions will be appreciated. -- Frustrated Husband

DEAR HUSBAND: Hoarding is a mental health issue. If your wife neither notices nor cares that you throw things away, it's possible she is simply too lazy to clean. Added to the way she was raised, her housekeeping is not that surprising. We trust you do your share of cleaning. So, let her pay for the cable TV, and use the money from your pocket to get some cleaning help. It will be one less thing to argue about.

DEAR ANNIE: I see many letters from parents complaining that their adult kids have no time for them and they feel abandoned. These parents fail to look at the way they treated their children.

My parents were divorced when I was in my 30s. My mother was wonderful, and I am in constant contact with her. I go out of my way to visit, call and do all the needed home repairs requested of me.

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My father, however, systematically demeaned and demoralized my brother and me. He had multiple affairs, some of which went on for decades. He was a miser with his money, giving my mom a ridiculously low "allowance" to support the household. He spent his time making us feel like we were bad people, always pointing out our faults.

He now is a lonely old man no one wants to be around. I often wonder whether he considers how he contributed to the estrangement. So a word to parents who complain about their adult kids not visiting or calling: Think about how you treated them. -- Good Reason To Avoid

DEAR GOOD REASON: It's true that many parents do a lousy job of raising their kids and then expect the children to be caring and devoted when they are older. And some children who are raised by indifferent or abusive parents still try to care for them later. But it is also true that children who are given everything, including affection, grow up to ignore their parents out of selfishness.

Life doesn't come with guarantees. Parents should raise their children with love, while guiding them toward independence and becoming contributing members of society. And while we can hope that they will take care of us when we need them, we should not assume it will happen. It's always wise to plan to take care of yourself.

Carpet Cleaning With More Friendly Environment

When you engage a professional to clean your carpets, you also get peace of mind from knowing that the job will get done to the best possible extent by qualified people. This will in turn provide a safer living area for your family, free of all allergens and irritants. Our qualified professional cleaner will know how to clean the carpets and what will give the best results without ruining the carpet or affecting it adversely. We all know the importance of hygiene and cleanliness. Carpet cleaning St Albans which makes use of dry cleaning method uses application cleaning solutions. This kind of carpet cleaning method is very popular because of its quick drying time. A professional carpet cleaner also has all the available cleaning solutions.

This can be most beneficial because referrals often come from those people who have actually experienced hiring a professional carpet cleaner. Carpet cleaning St Albans by hiring only the most qualified professional carpet cleaner can bring the best results and can provide value for one's hard earned money. Professional carpet cleaning companies can do this job with proper equipment and using cleaning chemicals, shampoos and alkaline. Top quality support and perfect good care servicing program to choose in the reasons for client's need and price range.

Oven cleaning franchise launches three new branches

OvenGleamers, the premium oven cleaning franchise, has signed three new units in the last three weeks.

Martin Lee of Peterborough, Jim Gibbons from Norwich and Tony Antoniou Medway have become the latest franchisees to launch territories.

OvenGleamers was launched in the UK in 2004 by Graham Rogers and has developed into a 17 unit franchise. The company offers a domestic oven cleaning service from a van, and also covers microwaves, hobs and BBQs.

The franchise is looking to expand its network, with plans to double the number of ‘gleamers’ within the next year. Currently franchise packages start at £16,995 (plus VAT), which includes a 10-day training course, marketing and PR launch, and an individual website.

New franchisee, Lee, added that another incentive to join OvenGleamers is the on-going support from Rogers:

“The oven cleaning sector is still in growth phase and having researched all the options in the marketplace, I believe OvenGleamers offered the best quality equipment, training and on-going support and training. The OvenGleamers franchise package includes significantly more than the competition.

“I especially liked the fact that Graham Rogers and his wife Catherine are hands-on in the business not only supporting and guiding the franchisees but also running their own successful multi-van oven cleaning business.”

Cleaning for a Reason

As any woman who has been diagnosed with cancer can tell you...its an exhausting experience both physically AND emotionally. It can leave little time or energy to take care of things at home. Debbie Sardone is the founder of Cleaning for a Reason...a non-profit cleaning service dedicated to women battling cancer. "You know just taking a shower was a struggle" she says "just pushing a mop or a vacuum was just impossible while they were battling cancer. And many of these women have said it was the most normal they had felt in months". Sardone says simply having a clean home can raise the spirits of all those family members who are supporting a mother, wife, daughter, or sister. "And even the whole family has commented that its lifted the burdon for everyone, because everyone is so focused on helping her get well, this is one less thing for her to worry about". Any woman with any type of cancer is eligible for the service. Just go to Cleaning for a Reason to fill out an application.

"Sydney Cleaning Pty LTD" Offers High Quality Office Cleaning Services at Competitive Rates

Sydney Cleaning Pty Ltd one of the a leading office and commercial cleaning solution providers based in NSW offer clients with high quality and ecofriendly special office cleaning packages at prices that suit their budget and caters all special requirements.

Fairfield, NSW -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/01/2014 -- A clean, safe and healthy working environment is quintessential for proper and optimal functioning of office and commercial properties. Many businesses may find it as a never ending battle trying to provide their employees with cleaner and non- toxic working environments. In such a scenario businesses need a professional and expert office cleaning solution provider who can offer them with non-hazardous and high quality cleaning solutions that ensure the intended results at economic rates.

“When it comes to office cleaning solutions a package that fits a particular office may not suit the other. Therefore offices need specially designed cleaning services that fit their special needs and requirements. “Sydney cleaning Pty Ltd” provides office cleaning packages that are custom designed to suit client needs and budget. Their office cleaning packages include quality services like cleaning all surfaces, removal of waste, dusting, vacuuming, window and door cleaning. They also offer Strata Cleaning, end of lease cleaning, steam cleaning and deodorizing, high pressure cleaning and much more. All the additional special requests by the clients are also accommodated to fit their standards.” explained a spokesperson.

Mr. Troy of “Sydney cleaning Pty Ltd” opened up, “As a service provider, the highest standard of satisfaction is achieved through cooperation and satisfaction of our clients. In today’s economic climate, competitive pricing plays an important part in the decision making process. We assure all our clients with top quality cleaning work at economic prices. Sydney Cleaning Pty Ltd treats each client with individual and special packages as we know that each client has different cleaning requirements and requirements change as companies grow.”

A delighted client expressed, "Our experience with Sydney cleaning has been amazing, they provided us a cleaning package that exactly suited our requirements and fitted our budget. Their highly skilled and friendly staffs ensure that the work is carried out smoothly without impact on the office functions. Since employing Sydney Cleaning to conduct regular office cleaning duties in our Sydney based office we've saved nearly 15% on our previous office cleaning bill. The beauty is that even though we pay less than before the office and premises seems cleaner and fresher than ever before”