Street Pastors are the unlikely crime-fighting force that could be about to hit the streets in a bid to tackle Hounslow's growing gang culture.
Police hope to sign up worshippers from churches across the borough as part of the scheme, which has already proved a big hit in other parts of the capital.
Volunteers would not be asked to tackle crooks personally but would be on hand to give them a gentle nudge towards a better life.
Church leaders are set to meet at Holy Trinity Church, in Hounslow High Street, next Monday to discuss how the project would work in Hounslow.
Street Pastors have been patrolling the streets of Kingston every Friday and Saturday night since June 2006, helping drunk revellers make their way home.
However, should the scheme be introduced in Hounslow, which has a much smaller night-time economy, they would probably operate more during daylight.
Hounslow sector inspector Huw Evans said: "Street Pastors aren't there to preach at people but to offer support and advice.
"They can either speak to people directly or point them in the direction of other groups and more positive activities than hanging around on street corners.
"We're hoping they can engage with younger members of the community, especially those on the periphery of criminal gangs, who could really benefit from this sort of engagement."
Police hope to introduce a 'dispersal zone' covering Hounslow High Street from April 1, giving them the power to move on any potentially intimidating groups of youths.
The scheme was in place for six months last summer, during which cops used the powers 120 times, and was hailed as a success by police and shopkeepers.
Insp Evans said he hoped the dispersal zone would work in conjunction with the Street Pastors so police were not just 'moving people about'.
