What were the organized private police patrolling eighteenth-century England called?

Thief Takers were organized private police in eighteenth-century England who played a crucial role in law enforcement before the establishment of formal police forces. These individuals were often private citizens who took it upon themselves to capture thieves and recover stolen property for a financial reward, effectively acting as bounty hunters. Their work highlighted the absence of a structured, public policing system at that time, falling within a community-based approach to crime prevention and control. The existence of thief takers was an early response to rising crime rates during the period, showcasing how societal needs prompted the evolution of policing methods.

In contrast, constables and shire reeves were official figures with specific duties related to law enforcement and public order, primarily in rural areas. Bobbies, on the other hand, refer to the members of the Metropolitan Police Service established by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, representing a significant shift towards a formalized police structure. This distinction is crucial when considering the historical context and development of law enforcement in England.