SECURITY guards have been hired to patrol Rayleigh High Street in the run-up to Christmas.

The town council took the decision in a bid to deter purse thieves and prevent anti-social behaviour while providing reassurance to the public.

Stambridge Security Services Ltd will dispatch two guards to the high street on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Town Council chairman, Jack Lawmon, said: “We have been aware for some time purse snatches happen more often in the run-up to Christmas and want to provide a presence in our town centre to prevent this very distressing crime.

“We know that the police do not have the resources to be present in our High Street at all times and this scheme is intended to be a deterrent to stop criminals coming to Rayleigh.

“We hope that the public and businesses will tell us how they feel about this, so that we can consider extending the scheme into next year if we feel there is a need for it.”

It has so far cost the council £2,376.

And many Stambridge Security officers hold first aid qualification and have the Essex Police Accreditation, which allows them to have low level police powers, similar to Police Community Support Officers, and they can share police intelligence directly with Essex Police.

The plans have been met with scepticism by some.

Linda Kendall, 71, administrator of Rayleigh Action Group, said they will not make enough difference.

She said: “It will be only two days a week and not during the times we get the most trouble. I am not criticising the town council as it is doing something, but I don’t think it’s enough we need more police patrolling our streets.

“I don’t think having a private security firm, is the right answer as they are not trained the same and don’t have the same power.

“I do not feel this will be as effective as having police on streets.

“I do not approve of a private security firm running our town.

“I think it’s different to have this for shops but not a high street.”