[user104658]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

You keep highlighting this law... which law are they breaking adopting this practice?

Should we as a civilised society accept grooming?...I see your point on the groups that are not acting within the perimeters of current police practice however, it is not fair to suggest that civil enforcement cannot be a valued resource for an already stretched service.

Throughout history there have been organisations that work in conjunction with the police, there's a whole 3rd sector of volunteers that ensure the safety of communities and society as a whole. Why would this area not benefit from the involvement of the public if coordinating with neighbourhood policing teams?

As you said yourself, their tactics have adapted over the years to ensure that they aren't technically breaking any laws. These groups used to go around sending threatening letters, attacking vehicles, smashing windows, etc. but have evolved to legitimise themselves. It's the same people, though... and finding "loopholes" to keep it legal doesn't negate the fact that it's vigilantism, nor nullify the reasons that vigilantism generally is not a good idea.

Is your argument that these groups DON'T make mistakes and victimise innocent people? Or that they AREN'T at risk of getting themselves or other members of the public hurt?