Mayoral hopeful and former Merton copper Brian Paddick has revisited his old beat to reveal how he would cut crime in London – including more backing for neighbourhood watch patrols.

On Saturday Mr Paddick, the Liberal Democrat candidate hoping to unseat Boris Johnson in May's election, discussed his crime fighting strategy during an appearance in Wimbledon town centre.

His ideas include giving more backing to what his party call 'Paddick patrols' - groups of residents who patrol their own neighbourhoods to deter criminals. Other ideas include allowing the public to set police priorities and a London-wide community payback scheme for offenders.

He also criticised the "racist abuse" of stop and search powers by officers.

Mr Paddick said: "Public confidence in the police has been damaged by last summer’s riots, and the revelations about the cosy relationship between the Met and News International. The public need to have confidence that the police are on their side."

Mr Paddick was borough commander of Merton police between 1997 and 2000. The candidate said the stint gave him some of the happiest memories he has from his time in the police force, and he is particularly proud of the relationship he forged with the local Asian community.

A Lib Dem spokesman said Mr Paddick could equip community patrols, which currently operate in parts of the capital including Vauxhall, with tabards and torches - as well as training them and ensuring they are accompanied by police community support officers.

The spokesman described the concept as "neighbourhood watch plus" rather than vigilante justice, and said they would not replace regular policing.

Lib Dem London Assembly candidate Shas Sheehan said: "These plans are designed to give members of the public greater say over police priorities, which will help the police to be seen as being on the side of the public."