A security firm with its own uniformed 'bobbies' is launching the UK's first private prosecutions against pickpockets and shoplifters.

The company My Local Bobby provides security for a fee, but says that police often release suspected pickpockets and shoplifters when they are handed over.

As a result, the firm run by former Scotland Yard officers is now setting up its own prosecution unit to pursue the cases itself, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Director David McKelvey said the company's move was a 'win-win' for the regular police who would have more time to investigate other crimes.

Private security: One of the 'bobbies' provided by the company My Local Bobby patrols a street in West London. The firm is now launching prosecutions against shoplifters and pickpockets

Mr McKelvey says frustration has grown as the private 'bobbies' have caught shoplifters and pickpockets but police have failed to bring charges.

'Police take ages to turn up and when they do, despite overwhelming evidence, they simply take off the handcuffs and release them,' Mr McKelvey says.

'What we have done now is to employ a new prosecution team on shoplifting, pickpockets, low-level assaults and drug dealing and we will prosecute these offences ourselves.'

Police often decline to take up a case because they were too busy to spend hours interviewing a suspect over a minor shoplifting, he said.

However, Mr McKelvey warns that 'that shoplifter is going to go on and shoplift the next day and the day after' if no action is taken.

Detectives have also reportedly cited a lack of space in police stations as a reason to release suspects.

My Local Bobby has 30 operatives in red uniforms who stay within five-minute reach of the properties they are guarding.

The founder of My Local Bobby says frustration has grown as the private 'bobbies' (left) have caught shoplifters and pickpockets but police (stock image right) have failed to bring charges

Households pay between £100 and £200 a month for the 24-hour security service, which has proved popular in wealthy parts of West London.

Mr McKelvey says the aim is to have 'bobbies' walking the streets who would reassure the public and know the neighbourhood well enough to spot problems.

The firm is regulated by the Security Industry Authority, which issues licences to private security workers.

The company boasts on its website that it has already undertaken 400 private prosecutions with a 100 per cent success rate.

Mr McKelvey is a former Met Police detective chief inspector who retired from Scotland Yard in 2008.

He founded the security firm with Tony Nash, another Met Police veteran who was a borough commander in Newham.

The National Police Chiefs' Council says officers work with private security 'on a daily basis' but that firms such as My Local Bobby should not 'replace' ordinary policing.