MOST people support security patrols as an addition to the police
presence in their neighbourhoods, according to the results of a survey
released today.
The Mori research reveals that such is people's fear of crime -- more
than half expected to be burgled -- many would pay extra council tax or
a private security firm for patrols in their area.
The survey, conducted for tonight's BBC Panorama programme, finds much
sympathy for vigilantes who have taken the law into their own hands.
More than a quarter of those interviewed (27%) sympathised with
vigilantes and their action, although 56% sympathised but disagreed with
what they did.
Of those who supported security patrols (55%), a quarter would pay for
them and a quarter would even take part.
Avon and Somerset Chief Constable David Shattock told the programme:
''I do not think there is any doubt about it, it is because people feel
that we are not providing the service that they expect from the police
force.''
Mr Brian Stevens, leader of Sedgefield Council in County Durham, which
is setting up its own ''community force'', said there should be two
police forces: ''One looking after the national interest and the other
looking after the local interest.''
Panorama claims that a list of suspects was given by a policeman to
two Norfolk vigilantes who eventually went to jail for their actions.
The survey was carried out nationwide, and 923 people aged 15 and over
were interviewed.
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