If you feel that vigilantism is too dangerous consider the alternatives. Face it, the only people with the numbers and moral authority to clean up crime is us. Hardly anyone respects the police any more. After all, they have been chosen for their likeability and are really public relations delegates for the police department. What vigilantism can provide for us is order.
Nothing discourages criminal activity like an aroused citizenry.
Of course, politicians do not like this concept. In a free and democratic society, who is ultimately responsible for law and order. Of course the government would like to enjoy a complete monopoly of power. The idea is that people will behave better if that is the case. Notice that I am not advocating armed vigilantism.