Private guards plan to help police

SCOTLAND YARD is considering plans to use private security guards to help patrol housing estates, streets and parks.

Under the proposals, guards, who would be paid by private companies and local authorities, are expected to receive training by the police and would assist uniformed officers. Senior police sources admit they are being forced to consider the move because of growing demands on their officers and dwindling resources. Jack Straw, the Home Secretary, has promised that any such move would not mean the end of "bobbies on the beat".