Following an exposé earlier in the summer, the police and authorities now have a serious message for the public.
Important Public Safety Notice Regarding ‘Safeguard Force‘
Recent reports confirm that the group calling itself ‘Safeguard Force’ (SF) has no legal authority. As a vigilante group, its members possess no more power than any other private citizen.
This is a critical point of law: They have no legal power to stop, search, or detain anyone.
The incidents described by some members of the public, which include harassing a person of colour and illegally searching bags, are serious offences. If you are ever stopped, obstructed, or touched by a member of this group or anyone else without legal authority, you should treat it as a criminal act.
Your Immediate Response: Call 999
If you are being detained or harassed by these individuals, you must call 999 immediately. Explain to the operator that you are being illegally detained or harassed by persons claiming false authority. The police have a duty to protect you from this kind of unlawful behaviour.
Why is this so serious?
- False Imprisonment: Preventing you from moving freely (obstructing or stopping you) without legal cause is a crime called false imprisonment.
- Assault: Touching you without your consent, even for a supposed ‘search’, can constitute common assault or battery.
- Harassment: Targeting individuals, particularly based on race as the reports suggest, is a clear case of harassment, which is against the law.
The police have already been made aware of SF’s actions. By calling 999, you are not only protecting yourself but also providing the police with the information they need to prevent further offences and uphold the law.
Reporting Past Incidents
If you have witnessed or been a victim of any action by Safeguard Force in the past, please report it to the official Community Safety Team. This helps build a picture of their activities and is vital for authorities to take action.
Email: [email protected]
Remember: These individuals are not police officers, PCSOs, or traffic wardens. They have no special rights. Your safety and legal rights are paramount.
