A PRIVATE security firm is set to launch guard patrols to protect houses and property from crooks operating on Blackburn estates.

Loynds Security Services, which already guards building sites and buildings in the town, is planning to charge £1.50 per home for the service after claiming market research showed a demand.

Boss Christopher Loynds plans to launch the uniformed patrols in the Whitebirk area on Friday night.

He says canvassers have already received a positive response from 50 per cent of residents and he is planning to expand the service into other areas, starting with Shadsworth.

Mr Loynds, from Blackburn, says he is a former Special Constable who has applied strict vetting procedures before taking on the nine guards he currently employs. He says he has insurance and can provide references, although he has not achieved the British Standard covering the industry's code of practice.

He said: "We are hoping to have two guards on each estate carrying mobile phones and torches.

"They will be checking the garden areas, people's front and back doors and right around their houses during the hours of darkness.

"The guards will carry identity cards and will make themselves known to the people in the scheme.

"Members of the scheme can telephone the guards if they need assistance and if the guards see anything

suspicious they will ring the police straight away.

"I have been burgled - who hasn't? When we have actually gone and knocked on doors we have had about 50 per cent of people interested and 30 per cent have signed up there and then.

"We have been going for four of five years and feel there is a need for this type of service. If people are not in the scheme we won't turn a blind eye to their homes if we see something going on but they won't get the same protection." Both Blackburn Council and the police have been informed about the firm's plans and admit there is nothing illegal about what the firm is doing.

Chief Inspector Paul Reynolds of Blackburn police said: "There is no offence committed by conducting this type of business.

"However, we do ask members of the public to ensure that they are sure of the credentials of the people involved and that they are offering a genuine service which will be fulfilled."

A police advice leaflet is available containing questions which people are recommended to ask private security firms. It includes:

How long has the company been trading?

Does it have insurance and does it issue contracts.

How are guards supervised and is there a central control room?

Can the firm supply references from other clients and do they have an emergency contact number?

A Blackburn Council spokesman said: "We have asked the firm for details of its operation and what it intends to do but we are still waiting for it to provide them.

"Providing they are operating within the law and with the residents' consent, so be it.

"It is up to people to make up their own minds up but we are understandably cautious, as are the police."

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