In many regions across the country, neighbourhood policing has been severely hit by financial cuts. An increasing number of local communities, frustrated with the lack of local policing, are now hiring private security companies to provide surveillance and protection on their streets.
Threats persist and public perception
Crime recorded by the Crime Survey for England and Wales decreased by 36% between 2011 and 2018. During the same period, police manpower and resources have had to deal with an upsurge in reporting of low volume and high harm crime which are more expensive to investigate, and an increased threat of organised crime, cybercrime and terrorism.
Sadly, the threat of break-ins, anti-social behaviour and car theft persist in many communities across the country. In many regions there is an understandable public perception that following continued public service funding cuts, resources for local policing are finite, overstretched and have low priority.
“For many individuals paying a small weekly or monthly fee to hire a private security firm to deal with potential threats and provide a deterrent is viewed as an entirely viable option”
In fact, a recent survey (2018-2019) we carried out on a site in a residential area in Northwood revealed that our neighbourhood patrol services assisted in a 29% reduction in crime, unauthorised / undesirable presence in the area and also helped in boosting a 33% increase in community coherence and confidence in private security industry services.
The benefits of private security
Private security services can provide a number of benefits over that of state-funded police, including:
- A dedicated service – private security companies can provide mobile patrols with uniformed personnel that are visible, conspicuous and therefore seen by residents and visitors alike.
- Peace of mind – private security services have the interests of the local community in mind when performing their services and duties.
- Contact details readily available, and ease of contact with help readily available in the area.
- Trained, professional and uniformed personnel available and willing to help as and when needed
- A complimentary service – the Police are happy to recognise and encourage the services provided by private security businesses. This can prevent valuable Police time being wasted on potentially trivial matters.
- Unwanted and undesirable activity is curtailed.
How does Guardforce Security Services Ltd offer a solution to this situation?
Guardforce Security Services offers a Neighbourhood Patrol Service for local and rural communities.
Specially trained staff can visit a neighbourhood several times per day/ night, either by vehicle or undertaking specified foot patrols. Additional services can include reporting, providing information to a local authority, liaison with community groups, and undertaking tasks in accordance with pre-arranged instructions.
Private companies can provide a tailored security service for local communities but should not be viewed as a direct replacement for police personnel and police services.
Guardforce Security Services have set the standards in private security for 25 years. Call us now on 03309990039 or email us at enquiries@guardforce-security.com or more information.
