'We're not vigilantes': The public on patrol
Media playback is unsupported on your device
Video

On patrol with the public 'policing' their community

Members of the public are leaving the comfort and safety of their homes to walk the streets in the hope of cutting crime.

A BBC South investigation has found a number of communities carrying out their own night-time patrols.

It comes at a time when more towns and cities are hiring professional security firms, to tackle low-level criminality and anti-social behaviour.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to recruit an extra 20,000 police officers in England and Wales.

A film by Ben Moore and Nikki Mitchell

  • 12 Feb 2020
Go to next video: Bikers begin 'patrol' to prevent thefts