‘Private police’ company set to take crooks to court

A PRIVATE security firm that arrests pickpockets, shoplifters and violent offenders is set to start prosecuting criminals itself, amid claims police let too many go, writes Jon Austin.

TM Eye offers “private police” patrols for residents and businesses.

Company director David Mckelvey said: “Countless times we detain suspects and police arrive then de-arrest them and give meaningless community resolution notice warnings. Police officers tell us it is not worth the time to take them into custody or there are not enough custody suites.

“In one case we caught a man who stole £3,000 from a man leaving a casino and the suspect was let off with a warning.

“We detained a shoplifter who assaulted our officer by spitting at him and three months later police have not collected the bodycam evidence.”

The firm is advertising for “retired experienced detectives” to take statements from victims, collect CCTV, prepare case files for submission to solicitors, attend court cases and give evidence.

It has already brought successful private prosecutions against illegal tobacco suppliers amid claims HMRC hasn’t the resources to tackle the problem.the firm says it will prosecute only when a lack of police resources have ruled out a public prosecution.

A CPS spokesman said: “We can only consider cases that are brought to us by investigators.

“Our decisions to prosecute are based on whether our legal test is met – not any financial consideration.”

A Met Police spokesman added:

“When information is provided, this will be assessed and acted on accordingly.

“Officers have to decide the most appropriate course of action for the given circumstances.”

And John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation, said the situation risks creating a “two-tier system... eroding the traditional model of British policing we all recognise and believe in”.