AN Army veteran who has set up his own private security firm has claimed he can do a better job than the police.

John ‘Winky’ Watson only set up his business in Teeside eight weeks ago but already has around 1,000 customers.

3 John Watson set up his security firm eight weeks ago but already has 1,000 customers Credit: Facebook/John Watson

People pay the 15-and-a-half stone ex-army boxer £13-a-year per house to carry out private patrols every 20 minutes.

John, 37, started his business, John Watson Security Ltd, after recovering from an operation on his shoulder in December.

He claims clients come to him because he gets results.

John told the Gazette Live: “As soon as they see my van they scarper.

3 John Watson says he is already doing a better job than the police Credit: Facebook/John Watson Security

3 John says that people up to no good scarper when they see his van Credit: Facebook/John Watson Security

“We stop break-ins, burglaries - the other day we got two stolen puppies back for a bloke robbed at knifepoint.

“My service is better than the police - that’s why people pay me.”

Currently the business is just taking off with John running the show alongside Carl Teasdale, Neil Peacock and his sister, Natalie Watson. They currently only have one van but hope to have another in a few days and a further four in two months.

However, Redcar MP Anna Turley has hit out at firms offering private security, fearing people were turning to businesses like John’s because they were losing confidence in the police.

The Labour MP said: “I’m deeply worried about the legality of such companies, and the fact that vulnerable people are feeling obliged to pay for protection because they have no faith the law is being upheld.”

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger said: “The development of private security companies offering services to residents and businesses is now prevalent across the country and I share the concerns of local MPs about this.

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“It is important that such firms carry out effective checks as to the suitability of anyone employed in this work and that staff are properly trained and licensed where appropriate, this is something the Government needs to ensure nationally as a matter of urgency.

“Most important of all is that the Government reverses its cuts to police funding so we can put more officers on patrol.

“Irrespective of whether there are private security patrols or not, I would urge local people to continue to report all crime to Cleveland Police and continue to support our officers.”

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