Matthews said his original proposal was never intended to replace police officers but that he had wanted to replicate a pilot scheme run in Melton Mowbray in 2025.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) said 16 PCSOs were being recruited in the autumn and 10 of them would be used for the patrols, which will cover Market Harborough, Hinckley, Loughborough, Coalville, Melton Mowbray and Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
Initially, it had been planned to include Oakham and Uppingham in the security patrols, but a spokesperson for the OPCC said the lower volumes of retail crime meant they would not be part of the new PCSO plan.
Money saved by the change of course will be spent on other crime prevention measures, the OPCC said.
Matthews, whose role is set to be abolished in May 2028, said: “I set the chief constable a clear challenge, and I am pleased that Leicestershire Police has responded with a practical and cost-effective plan that delivers the extra patrols local people want to see.
“I’m particularly pleased that this initiative will be up and running before Christmas, providing additional reassurance to residents and valuable support to retailers during one of the busiest times of the year.”
Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, David Sandall, added: “We do understand that retail crime and anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on our communities, and we know from our previous successful work and proven track record in effectively policing ‘crime hotspot’ areas that engagement, problem solving and working with partners can make a real difference.”
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