Residents living in an estate marred by break-ins and car thefts could pay a private security firm to protect them, it has been discussed.
A conversation on Streetly Neighbourhood Alerts Facebook group sparked a debate on whether locals would be prepared to chip in £2-a-week for security guards to act as an "overnight deterrent".
The idea was first put forward by Sutton Coldfield resident Jake Findlay, who is calling on overnight patrols between 9pm and 6.30am following a spate in criminal activity.
Mr Findlay said: "If we got 500 residents to fund it for seven days, 9am till 6.30am it would cost £2-per-household."
Just three weeks ago, two children aged four and six where threatened at knifepoint in Langham Green, Streetly, as three men broke in and demanded keys to a blue BMW.
Do you think paying £2 each household for overnight security patrols is a good idea?
1000+ VOTES SO FAR
Meanwhile, a chilling video posted yesterday (October 30) showed three masked suspects break into a back garden in Wood Lane before fleeing.
The Streetly Neighbourhood Alerts Facebook group set up a petition at the start of 2018 calling on "better policing".
Campaigners are demanding "more police patrols and operations in unmarked cars" as well as calling on better CCTV in the local area.
Why residents in Streetly are demanding better policing
Concerning the dramatic increase of burglaries in Streetly, both police and residents have raised dissatisfaction with the way police resources are allocated to Streetly.
Our police station is in Bloxwich and now covers a large area meaning we have lost local expertise.
There appears to be a lack of communication about offenders who live on our doorstep in Birmingham areas because it falls into another police boundary.
The community is concerned over burglaries which resulted in the death of a pensioner locally.
Streetly already greatly contributes financially towards policing.
We have been hit with a crime wave and residents do not feel supported. We are now been asked to increase what we are paying again.
What we are asking for:
- A plan of policing for Streetly that works best for the geography the area is in, with better communication and closer partnership with police in the areas we boarder.
- Better communication and intelligence gathering on known offenders with both Walsall and Birmingham Youth Offending and probation services.
- Door-to-door enquires after a burglary within three days.
- More police patrols and operations in unmarked cars.
- More street signage to indicate police presence.
- Better community communication and dialogue with Streetly.
- Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to cover the area better.
- CCTV at hotspots. Local government CCTV is poor.
- 101 to be free as residents are put off calling due to some providers charging for the call.
The idea of locals paying private security firms to patrol their streets is nothing new.
Back in 2015, the Guardian reported how hundreds of residents in the Essex seaside town of Frinton-on-Sea each paid £2-a-week - or £104-a-year - to hire two security guards.
It followed the closure of the town's only police station, with the move put in place to help support the six PCSOs who could only travel by bus or bike.
The security guards would drive around the town every night between 7pm and 7am. An emergency phone line was also set up - though residents were urged to call 999 if it was serious.
Streetly resident Mr Findlay, meanwhile, says he would prefer overnight patrols conducted by volunteers and neighbours.
He said: "I would be interested in setting up our own patrols in the early hours of morning if we can get volunteers, seven days a week taking turns, say two cars with two-to-three per car.
"It would give police an early warning of time being committed and better chance of catching [criminals]."
Watch a video below explaining how police deal with so-called minor crimes
He added: "You only patrol the area the residents that are prepared to pay for the added security.
"The example from Foley Arms to Bridle Lane, over 1,000 houses.
"If Hundred Acre down to Queslett pub to Shell garage, back up to Bridle Lane.
"It's not a carte blanch for other parts of Streetly. They would have to contribute and then we can get more security vans.
"Unfortunately, if you haven't had a burglary you don't know the hurt and pain it causes and, if we stand still, the problem will only get worse."
Do you feel your street needs extra protection? Tell us what you think in the comments below
