Normally, in a democratic society, people rely on the police to be able to respond in a way which makes it unnecessary for the individual to have to act to defend his property. The responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests primarily with the state authorities: principally, with the police.
The Telegraph reports (Close knit neighbourhoods rally for their own defence) that people are acting to protect their businesses against possible attacks by those intent on either stealing or causing criminal damage (see also Vigilantes join 16,000 police on capital’s streets, The Independent, and ‘Fed Up’ Residents Form Anti-Looter Patrols, Sky News). It is human nature to act to protect self, family and one’s property, but to what extent is it permissible by law?
