Free Republic

A London council is recruiting 2,000 residents to report on their neighbours and join a growing network of “citizen snoopers” in the capital. “Neighbourhood Champions” will be expected to pass on evidence of graffiti, fly-tipping, litter and excessive noise. They could eventually be trained to report child abuse, domestic violence, racial harassment and other “hate crimes”. The plan is expected to be approved this week in Harrow. The council says the scheme, which has the backing of the Met commander for the borough, will increase pride in the community. But critics today raised fears over civil liberties, warning that it...