Private Patrols Shelved As New Police Plan Agreed
Written by HFM News on 11th September 2026
Plans for private security patrols in Market Harborough town centre have been shelved after a new police patrol scheme was agreed.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews had been considering using private security wardens to help tackle shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.
There will be dedicated foot patrols by police officers and PCSOs.
Instead, Leicestershire Police will receive extra funding to provide dedicated foot patrols by police officers and PCSOs, which are expected to begin by December.
The scheme will also operate in other towns across the county, with a service agreement being put in place to ensure the officers are not abstracted to other areas.
Mr Matthews told HFM more about the new plan:
Rupert Matthews outside Market Harborough Police Station
Chief Constable David Sandall said Leicestershire Police has a “proud history of neighbourhood policing”, with dedicated officers and PCSOs already carrying out visible patrols across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
He said the new scheme was based on data and evidence, allowing the force to deploy PCSOs in county towns “at the right places at the right time”.
He added that officers would work with businesses and other partners to tackle retail crime and antisocial behaviour, using a problem-solving approach and focusing resources on identified crime hotspots.
Gareth Thomas, President of the Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, has welcomed the announcement:
The proposal to employ private wardens had faced widespread criticism, including from the Leicestershire Police Federation.
Andy Spence, Chairman of the Leicestershire Police Federation, described the announcement as “fantastic news”.
He added: “We are glad the PCC has come to his senses and realised this money is better spent within the police family.
“I completely understand that these market towns need more officers, but police officers and PCSOs are better trained and better equipped to deliver the best outcomes.”
