Private security team to patrol Spalding
A PRIVATE firm says it will beef up security in Spalding by patrolling the town, if residents pay them to do it.
Agora Capes Security wants to send officers out on patrol in a visible show of strength against crime - and is asking residents for 2.79 a week, or 39p a day, to fund the project.
Streets covered by the scheme would benefit from visits from officers and patrols from the firm's trained staff - who would wear video cameras to record crimes and would call police if they witnessed incidents.
Operations manager Nectario Greenfield, who has a background in military security, insists he does not want to replace the police but complement the service they offer.
He said: "We want to add a little bit extra for the public and give them the piece of mind of extra security.
"We are just trying to make Spalding safer in the long term. Other places have got similar schemes so why not Spalding?
"At the end of the day it doesn't really break the bank and it gives re-assurance."
Teams of two would make nightly patrols - and officers would even step in to help victims in households that do not pay - with Mr Greenfield hoping positive action will persuade doubters to part with their cash.
The firm has sent out leaflets and will wait to see if there is enough support to justify rolling the Street Safe scheme out.
Mr Greenfield has met with Spalding Inspector Paul Timmins and South Holland District Council's Nigel Payne to inform them of his plans.
Inspector Timmins said that the service is a "bolt on" and would not replace policing - stressing that no resources would be moved from an area covered by Agora Capes.
Inspector Timmins said: "From the point of view of both ourselves and the council we would support the principle if the people of Spalding feel it is something they need.
"Crime and security is much more of a community effort nowadays than purely a police activity anyway.
"We would look to work closely with them but we must stress that this is an addition and not a replacement service."
Officers would have police training and would all be Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed. They would have regular meetings with PCSOs and community beat managers and would be instructed not to lay their hands on anyone.
Agora Capes already provides security services for businesses, individuals and covers events at Peterborough Showground. It was established in April 2009.
If successful the next targets could be Sutton Bridge and Boston.
*Would you pay for a private firm to patrol your street? Click on our poll to the right hand side of this story and e-mail your views to andrew.brookes@jpress.co.uk
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Weather for Spalding
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
