There’s been a lot of conversation lately about the decision to introduce a dedicated security team in our town centre people are asking why they’re here, what powers they have, and whether this is the right approach.
Let’s be clear: the reason they’re here is simple to deter antisocial behaviour. And that’s a growing problem we can’t afford to ignore.
From shoplifting and open drug use to more extreme and tragic incidents including serious assaults and even murder our town has seen a significant rise in behaviour that threatens public safety and quality of life.
While security personnel don’t have the same legal powers as the police, their visible presence can act as a powerful deterrent. They’re not there to police the public, but to help prevent issues before they escalate. The same way we have security on nightclub doors, at public events, and in major retailers it’s about creating a safe space so people can enjoy their surroundings without fear or intimidation.
Some have raised concerns that this signals a shift towards a ‘controlled society’ where people, especially those from certain demographics, feel watched or unfairly targeted. It’s an important concern, but we must also ask: what’s the alternative?
Would we rather continue watching people openly use drugs in broad daylight? See elderly residents harassed for spare change? Allow our children to walk past people defecating on the street or hear aggressive shouting from someone in the grip of a crisis?
Bars have rules that keep children out for good reason. Yet on our public streets, some of the things happening now are far worse, and there’s no protection. It’s not about control it’s about boundaries, and respect for public space.
The police, overstretched and underfunded, can’t be everywhere. So why is it acceptable for a security guard to stop someone waving a knife around in a nightclub, but not to stand in a town centre as a visual deterrent to stop similar behaviour happening in front of families?
Let’s also look ahead: if we fail to act now if we keep saying “this is just the way things are now” then don’t be surprised when the next response is AI cameras, facial recognition, and automated surveillance doing the job for us. That is the real Orwellian risk. We could end up handing over real human judgment and accountability to machines because we didn’t want to take responsibility ourselves.
Security staff are not the problem they’re part of the solution. They’re not here to fix society’s deeper issues. That responsibility still lies with all of us to make the right choices, to look after our communities, and to push for better services and support.
Some argue that antisocial behaviour is “normal” in towns and cities across the country. But I’ve lived here for 38 years and I’ve never seen our town in this state. We shouldn’t normalise it. We should respond to it in a proportionate, modern way.
Security staff are just one part of that response. So before dismissing this initiative, I encourage you to learn more. Understand the role of a security guard. Attend the public meetings. Listen. Ask questions.
This isn’t about control it’s about care. It’s about safety. And most importantly, it’s about reclaiming our public spaces so everyone young and old can feel proud and secure in their hometown again.