THE former professional boxer behind a security firm once labelled a “private police force” believes cuts to policing budgets could see demand soar – and has revealed that his guards are on a bonus if they catch a burglar.

Francis Jones, of Darlington, said he expected burglary rates to increase as frontline policing is hit by enforced spending cuts.

Mr Jones, who runs Sparta Security in his home town, rose to national attention last year when he launched patrols of Darlington estates in an effort to cut crime and antisocial behaviour.

Residents were offered subscriptions of £3.50 a week to have the firm patrol their premises.

Mr Jones said that while he would continue to offer that service and continue his patrols of residential areas, patrols of businesses were proving to be more in demand and a better use of resources.

He has enlisted the help of two Alsatian guard dogs, Mack and Jazz, which Sparta Security staff take on patrol.

He said that his staff were excited about catching burglars.

“The guards turn up, you can’t hear them – they don’t come in a big wagon screeching up,” he said.

“We want to catch burglars – the guards are on a bonus if they do. That’s their incentive.”

But Mr Jones said his business was about working with the police, not replacing them.

“We are the eyes and ears of the police, nothing else,” he added.

“But I think burglaries will increase if budgets are cut. I know there is demand – we get people on the phone and email all the time.

“Within six months, I want guards all over Darlington, on foot and in vehicles, patrolling houses, businesses and whole neighbourhoods.”

Mr Jones said he had about a dozen premises signed up to his Business Safe patrols, but said he expected that to increase dramatically.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police said every effort was being made to mitigate the effects of budget cuts.

She said: “We are about to embark on a major restructure, which will ensure frontline services are maintained and that we make better use of resources now and in the future, as well as improving the force’s performance.”