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 The security guards with Kimberley Paumier and Matthew McMillan of Camden Town Unlimited |
Private police force takes to the streets
Businesses hire security guards to deter criminals
BUSINESSES in Camden Town have grown so fed up with the high level of crime on the streets they have dug into their pockets to pay for their own private police force.
The security guards, who began doing the rounds of Camden High Street and nearby roads for the first time on Monday, have been employed by a group of Camden businesses known as Camden Town Unlimited (CTU) at a cost of £100,000 for six months.
Up to 12 officers, employed by security firm Gallowglass Limited, whose fluorescent bibs cover stab proof vests, will be on patrol during weekday evenings until 10pm until March.
CTU board member Alex Proud, who runs the Proud Galleries in Camden Lock, said the security guards’ priority is office workers on their way to Tube stations after dark.
But some Camden Town businesses are already claiming the money could have been better spent.
There are also concerns confusion could arise from another layer of security in Camden High Street, on top of police, the council-employed street wardens and police community support officers.
CTU chief Kimberly Paumier said: “Primarily they are there to make people feel safer and be a reassuring presence. They are to be the eyes and ears of Camden Town. If someone was in distress they will help them. We hope it will make people feel more secure.”
Ms Paumier admitted the public should call police in an emergency – although the security guards carry radios and have access to CCTV and police control rooms, they do not have any police powers.
Ms Paumier added: “Our budgets allow us to have them out for six months of the year. We know the police are stretched and have a lot to deal with.”
CTU board member Berry Casey said the “jury was still out” on whether the £100, 000 had been well spent. He said: “I need to see what people think before I make a judgement. The problems in Camden can’t go on as they are, it’s not fair on businesses or the public.”
Camden High Street restaurateur Roy Walker of Walker’s Quay said: “I don’t want to be too quick to judge but some of us feel the money could be better spent. I personally feel that any money available should go into improving lighting. It’s widely recognised that the best we can do to deter crime is improve lighting.”
The guards will also patrol part of Kentish Town Road, as far as Sainbury’s, Inverness Street, Hawley Crescent, Parkway and Jamestown Road.
A police spokesman said: “We welcome high-visibility in the Camden Town area and look forward to working with the security staff.” |
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