The boss of one of the UK’s largest outsourcing companies, Mitie, believes that private security firms could increasingly support police efforts to combat the growing wave of street crime.
Jason Towse, who heads Mitie’s corporate security division, confirmed that discussions have already started with officials on how the company’s staff could collaborate with police forces to address the rise in crime.
This partnership would come as a response to the alarming rise in shoplifting, thefts, and robberies.
Escalating Crime Rates Prompt New Approach to Policing
Recent data has shown an alarming surge in crime, with shoplifting reaching its highest level in 20 years, thefts rising by 20%, and robberies up by 6%.
In response, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has vowed to tackle this growing problem by pledging to recruit an additional 13,000 officers for neighbourhood policing.
However, it has since come to light that only a quarter of these recruits will be fully-warranted officers.
The rest will be a mix of extra PCSOs, special constables, and current officers working additional shifts.
Towse sees an opportunity for private companies like Mitie to step in and assist in addressing the gap left by traditional policing.
The Role of Private Security in Modern Policing
Towse highlighted the growing role of private security companies in supporting police forces.
With the lengthy process of vetting and training new officers, he pointed out that businesses like Mitie could play a complementary role in policing, especially given the pressure on police resources.
Towse emphasized that, with collaboration, the private sector could contribute significantly to crime prevention.
He added that this growing reliance on private security firms aligns with the Labour government’s plan to reclaim streets from criminals.
Mitie’s Expanding Role in Crime Prevention
Mitie has been involved in several high-profile crime prevention initiatives, including protecting mosques during anti-immigration riots and launching “Project Pegasus” to combat organized shoplifting.
Towse said that, while police forces may struggle to mobilize large numbers of personnel, private firms like Mitie are well-equipped to fill in where police resources fall short.
This partnership could lead to a more robust approach to managing crime, especially in high-risk areas like town centers.
Private Prosecutions Becoming More Common
In a growing trend, private security firms are not just protecting properties but also taking on investigations and prosecutions of criminals.
One notable case involved a private security company, TM Eye, taking action against a repeat offender who had been caught on CCTV burglarizing a store.
Despite police inaction, TM Eye successfully apprehended the suspect and secured a conviction.
The company has already brought over 280 shoplifters to justice, showing the increasing capacity of private firms to support law enforcement efforts.
Retail Theft Reaches Record Levels in Britain
The surge in crime has been particularly evident in the retail sector.
Official figures revealed that nearly 470,000 retail thefts were recorded in the year leading up to June 2024, marking a 29% increase from the previous year.
This increase in thefts has put significant pressure on both businesses and law enforcement.
With crime rates soaring, police forces are struggling to keep up, with many crimes going unsolved, leading to calls for greater involvement from the private sector in addressing the issue.
Challenges and Concerns with Private Security Involvement
Despite the growing role of private security firms, there are concerns about their involvement in law enforcement duties.
The Home Office has stated that while private security plays an important role in protecting businesses, it will not be used to meet the target of 13,000 additional officers.
Full police training and accountability are deemed essential to carrying out policing functions.
There are concerns that relying too heavily on private firms could undermine the accountability and standards required for police work.
As the pressure on police forces continues to grow, the role of private security companies in supporting law enforcement may only increase.
With crime rates continuing to rise, this collaboration could be essential to maintaining safety in communities across Britain.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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