A Thought about Garde UK …

Do you remember me writing — in this morning’s Teaser — that I’d seen an article on the BBC News channel: about a private security company who were offering their services to the residents of Brentwood … ?

I’ve got to admit, I was mildly annoyed.

Not necessarily by the money: although a pound is a pound, and — from where I’m sitting — one that’s possibly better spent on a utility swipe card or keymeter.

But as much by the principle of the thing.

Why on Earth should some of us be allowed to pay a bit extra for extra services like security … when we’re ALL paying, through our council tax, for the police … ?

Like I say, mildly annoyed.

And mildly annoyed enough to quickly shoot off an email to the Gazette.

Here …

Dear Sir,

I’ve got to admit, I was watching the BBC news channel, this morning.

And found my self a touch shocked. It seems that a private security firm called Garde UK — one that’s formally accredited by Essex Police — is offering Brentwood residents security coverage, for roughly a pound a week.

Fair enough.

But on top of this … ?

It seems Garde UK are candidates to receive what’s called ‘low-level’ police powers: powers that give them authority to deal with things like anti-social behaviour and fixed penalty notices.

I was disgusted.

We, who live in Brentwood, pay our council tax: part of which goes towards paying for a police force.

For those of us struggling to pay utility bills with key meters and swipe cards … ? That’s a pound that could easily be used to pay for something that we’re not already paying for.

Those of us who aren’t struggling … ?

Can happily sleep much more comfortably in their beds, knowing they’re getting something their neighbours can’t necessarily afford.

Here’s hoping …