English people's views on 'The Guardian Angels'

 Anything to deter crime is a help, as long as the GAs know not to interfere with official police duties. A friend's car was vandalised yesterday costing these hardworking people money they really can't afford to lose. I wish the angels were in Plymouth, then perhaps the villains would have reconsidered.

Jim, Plymouth

The Guardian Angels would be more acceptable if they didn't look like, Hells Angels with attitude. Good intentions can not on its own going to stop the Underground Transport criminals and I doubt if people dressed like film extras will go a long way to alleviate commuter stress whatever their intentions.
Eddie Espie, Cookstown

I must admit to feeling ever so sad by the news that the London GA were so small in number. I think that anyone who is prepared to look out for fellow members of the public are an asset and our country would be worse off without a public sense of duty and responsibility to one another. Perhaps they should subdue their uniform and ditch the berets in an attempt to attract more members and fit in with the English way - we have never really been overly bothered about flashy uniforms in this country after all.
Matthew, UK

Here are individuals who have taken one step further than most us by willing to do something in the fight against street crime and anti-social behaviour. They should be encouraged, and further more, recognised in their efforts. Britain needs more people like this!
Robert Firth, Aylesbury, UK

Community support wardens, ASBOs and the rest seem to be about control. GAs seem to be a bit more about empowerment. 

Simon Mallett, UK Maidstone

We've already got a way for volunteers to help make the UK safer and better... they can join the police as special constables. Then they can help society, within the framework of the law.
Mark,

They are only there to do good so let them carry on. Why the police have a problem with citizens trying to help is bewildering to me. Increasingly in our society we turn away from people in need of help. Recently a man was stabbed and killed on bus for protecting his wife from teenage thugs, no one helped him or came forward as a witness...disgusting! If the GAs had been on that bus it probably would not have happened and a man's life would have been spared. We should not mock people who are essentially putting themselves at risk to help protect us and make us feel safer in an ever increasingly lawless society. We do not have enough police, the courts are no deterrent these days. Any help we can get to bring order back into our society should be gratefully recieved... not criticised and sniggered at. Hail the GAs. Long may they survive...we should pay them.
Stewart, Newport s. Wales

As a member of the TA's I think that the GAs are a good idea, its a shame more people don't do it. The more visible deterrents there are the better. Every City has its violent side, not just London, I'm surprised more places haven't got them e.g. Manchester. Well done mateys, keep it going!
Chris P, Mansfield

Good on you guys I travelled on the trains and thought it was great to have people like you it feels a lot safer keep it up
Dave, Australia

These guys deserve a chance. Surely any initiative to help provide security and reduce crime needs encouragement and support. their presence can only help to enhance the policing of our streets, Trains and other public transport re-assuring passenger and supporting the police, who themselves are under-funded and over-stretched. Give these people the same training and qualifications that door security and other community police forces have, and lets see some real encouragement and support. The job they do can be a real asset to the people in the communities they serve, and encourage more people to join
David Lewarne, Ferryhill, Durham

Leave the policing to the professionals - if you want to help, grow up and join the Specials or become a CSO.
Peter, Telford, UK

In the 16 years of them being in the UK I have seen one once, several years ago and I commute through London regularly. What is the point if they are not really protecting anyone?
Karl Mugele, St Albans

The Guardian angels are a brave, unselfish organization. Having worked for the govt, I am not surprised by the arrogant response from the Metropolitan police. Given the time and resources they waste, I am sure they are indeed envious of the commitment of the GA members. I an struggling to remember the last time a police officer in my presence did or said anything clear or helpful. Good on you Guardian Angels. I will gladly offer my services a support worker.
Robert Porter, London

God Bless the GA, they are (still) doing a marvellous job (considering they are doing this as volunteers). Someone, somewhere give these guys some kind of funding. They are doing the job that the police won't (or cant) do.
John Freeman, Bury St Edmunds, England

The most outrageously comedic security force that has ever stepped on this side of Christendom, how they will prevent another 7th of July, God knows....they certainly add comedy value to public transport
John, Brighton, Sussex