Extra police patrols to replace towns security plan

Plans to deploy private security patrols in towns and villages in Leicestershire have been shelved after a new police plan was agreed.

In May, Reform UK police and crime commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews said he was looking at spending £2m on 20 to 30 marshals, to provide a "visible and uniformed" presence to "improve community safety".

The PCC has now confirmed that after "consideration of all available options", additional police patrols will operate in Market Harborough, Hinckley, Loughborough, Coalville, Melton Mowbray and Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

This will use both police and police community support officers (PCSOs) and cost less than the initial plans, officials said.

Putting forward the original plans, Matthews said there was no intention to replace police officers.

He said the security staff would not have had any powers but would have been a "visible and uniformed" presence.

He had hoped to have the new patrols in place starting between November and January.

However, after asking the chief constable to identify ways to improve community safety, a new service level agreement was reached with the force.

Matthews said: "I set the chief constable a clear challenge, and I am pleased that Leicestershire Police has responded with a practical and cost-effective plan that delivers the extra patrols local people want to see.

"I'm particularly pleased that this initiative will be up and running before Christmas, providing additional reassurance to residents and valuable support to retailers during one of the busiest times of the year."

Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, David Sandall, added: "We do understand that retail crime and anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on our communities, and we know from our previous successful work and proven track record in effectively policing 'crime hotspot' areas that engagement, problem solving and working with partners can make a real difference.

"This project will use data evidence to ensure we are putting visible PCSO patrols in the right places at the right time, using a problem-solving approach and working closely with business owners and partners in our county towns to ensure that we can continue to build trust and confidence in our communities."

Andy Spence, chairman of the Leicestershire Police Federation, said the announcement was "fantastic news".

"We are glad the PCC has come to his senses and realised this money is better spent within the police family," he added.

"I completely understand that these market towns need more officers but police officers and PCSOs are better trained and better equipped to deliver the best outcomes."

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