Private "Police"

There is an item on the BBC this morning about private security firms patrolling some streets to provide residents with a greater feeling of security.   The Vice Chairman of the Police Federation is quoted as saying "it's the police who patrol public space" - and there's the rub. 

I spend some time reasonably often in the USA - Cleveland, Dallas and recently New York City.  The difference in policing leaps out.  You don't walk far, or drive anywhere in NYC, without seeing a very obvious police presence.  It's much the same in Cleveland and Dallas too, if not quite so much. 

A friend of mine in Cleveland was woken by a phone call from the police.  They'd been called to the area because youths were suspected of breaking into cars, and on checking they noticed that his car was unlocked on his drive.  Would he like to go and lock it?   I just cannot imagine that happening in Wellingborough, and seeing a policeman on patrol is a rare event.

Obviously it's a budget issue, but I know which approach I prefer.  Private "police" should have no role, and not be needed.