Red Caps to fight street crime

In their distinctive red and black uniforms they may not represent the toughest face of law and order but they could become a familiar sight on Britain's high streets.

The distinctive private patrols known as the Red Caps are part of London's changing security scene and will today go on the beat around Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street seven days a week.

The initiative, costing £400,000, is financed by a consortium of stores and will be closely monitored by other shopping streets as it represents a departure from the system of shops employing their own in-store security guards.

The Red Caps do not replace police patrols and have no powers to catch criminals, beyond the universal right to make a citizen's arrest where an offence is seen being committed.

But the team of 25 uniformed security guards will be the "eyes and ears" of the police and will deal with situations on the spot, giving officers information when they arrive.

Their prime role is to identify any potential crime and deal with any situation with the public. They can deal with anti-social behaviour, provide information to shoppers and act as ambassadors for London's shopping streets.

The Red Caps will not be under direct operational police control but will remain in contact with local beat officers. They are trained by Chubb Security personnel but will be vetted by the Met to check if any has a criminal record.

In June there were 349 cases of theft from shops, 142 bag snatches and 768 cases of pickpocketing recorded by police in Westminster, which covers Oxford Street and Regent Street. The consortium of property owners and retailers in the West End paying for them believe the Red Caps will help the 30 million people a year who use Oxford Street feel safer.

Helen Robinson, chief executive of the New West End Company, the consortium set up to boost the area, said the patrols were part of a strategy modelled on the successful rejuvenationof Times Square in New York, where it is possible to count 50 police officers in the square mile around 42nd Street, supported by 52 private security guards paid for by local business. The blitz has driven away crack dealers, prostitutes and drunks.

Ms Robinson said: "The Red Caps will be a strong visual presence to reassure people and act as local experts. They are the next step in our vision to revitalise the West End."

The Red Caps are men and women aged from their early twenties to late fifties, most of whom have a background in security. Carol Wheeler, 55, from Beckenham, has brought with her 10 years' experience. She has previously worked at the Lewisham shopping centre as a security guard. She said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge. I hope that our presence will deter criminals and make the public feel safer."

Another Red Cap, Brian McRae, 45, from Kennington, said: "We're looking forward to making people feel safer and helping police cut down on street crime. With our experience we hope to deal with situations on the spot that will not only help the police but also give peace of mind to everyone."

Private patrols are already a feature of crime-plagued council estates and of upmarket developments where residents have retreated behind electric security gates.

Trafalgar Square, which is controlled by the Greater London Authority, already has 24-hour "heritage wardens" to deal with illegal traders and drunken yobs.