Street Pastors to help fight crime in Hounslow

Volunteers would not be asked to tackle crooks personally but would be on hand to give them a gentle nudge towards a better life.

Church leaders met recently at Holy Trinity Church, in Hounslow High Street, to discuss how the project would work in Hounslow.

Street Pastors have been patrolling the streets of Kingston every Friday and Saturday night since June 2006, helping drunk revellers make their way home.

However, should the scheme be introduced in Hounslow, which has a much smaller night-time economy, they would probably operate more during daylight.

Hounslow sector inspector Huw Evans said: "Street Pastors aren't there to preach at people but to offer support and advice.

"They can either speak to people directly or point them in the direction of other groups and more positive activities than hanging around on street corners.

"We're hoping they can engage with younger members of the community, especially those on the periphery of criminal gangs, who could really benefit from this sort of engagement."