AN ICONIC anti-crime patrol group is set to be a permanent feature in the community after a successful trial visit last week.

Guardian Angels, a patrol group run by volunteers in cities all over the world, came to the streets of Pitsea and Wickford last week.

Dressed in their identifiable red berets and uniforms, the group teamed up with patrol groups from Essex including Night Angels Pitsea and the Wick Patrol Group.

The organisation is the biggest voluntary street safety patrol in the world, with more than 5,000 members on five continents.

Duncan Lamont, who set up Night Angels Pitsea after growing tired of antisocial behaviour and crime in the area, was pleased with how the Guardian Angels visit went.

The 46-year-old added: “The support from the public and local businesses has been absolutely amazing.

“We took the Guardian Angels to the community centre where they met residents and chatted about what we want to achieve in the area.

“The people think it would be really good to have the Guardian Angels patrol our streets – they feel safe knowing we are out there.”

Guardian Angels confirmed the visit was successful and they will be returning to the areas in the future.

UK Guardian Angels Chief Andreas Schoyen said: “We have had requests of setting up Guardian Angels Chapters from anti-crime organisations in Basildon and Wickford. 

“We visited and had a positive meeting with them and were shown around the towns’ crime hotspots.

“We will arrange to visit both areas next month to move forward with plans to establish chapters.

"If the communities of Wickford and Basildon want a UK Guardian Angels Chapter present there, then we will adhere to their wishes."

Mr Lamont said he is hopeful this will help to make Basildon and surrounding areas a safer place to live.
He added: “I’m hoping that with our Night Angel group, we can change into one organization known as the UK Guardian Angels. 

“We are just going through registration and once that happens, we will be patrolling our streets as Guardian Angels.

"I’m aiming to achieve a safer Pitsea for all our community and a safer Basildon.

“The rapidly-increasing level of crime has to stop eventually and we want to help where we can.”

Residents have thrown their support behind the idea.

Maria Harrison, who lives near Northlands Park, said: “I think what Duncan is doing is a fantastic idea.

"Not only does it help deter crime and make us feel safer but it boosts community spirit as well.”

To find out more or get involved search Night Angel Patrol Group Pitsea on Facebook.

Community leaders feel uniformed civilians are not the answer

Steps to put members of the public in uniform are understandable but not desirable, according to community leaders.

Concerns have been raised about the arrival of the Guardian Angels in the Basildon area as some councillors feel this is not the answer to a lack of police on the streets.

Kerry Smith, chair of the Housing and Communities Committee, said: “The first thing is the police force needs to be properly funded.

“National cutbacks to policing has caused communities to feel like they need to resort to this kind of thing – to take the law into their own hands.
“I understand why they do it but would rather see bonafide police on the streets.”

David Harrison urged people to support Essex Police if they feel compelled to be active in their community.

The Basildon Mayor said: “It completely blurs the line between vigilantes and law and order.

“It’s alright putting yourself in a uniform but what powers do they have?

“If people want to, they should join the Special Constables or become an active citizen.”

Essex Police have previously told the Echo they do not advise civilian patrol groups.

PC Samantha Creighton, of Basildon's Community Policing Team, said: "Essex police do not endorse any patrol groups.

"If anyone would like to assist with patrolling their local areas please contact us re joining Essex Police Active Citizens or joining us as a Special Constable.

"We would encourage the public to continue reporting incidents to us via 101 or 999 in an emergency."

For more about joining the specials visit www.essex.police.uk/join-the-police/special-constabulary