Breckland Council Safer Streets Wardens
What do Safer Streets Wardens do?
Our Wardens provide a presence across allocated areas of Breckland, primarily in the town of Thetford. This will involve visual paired patrols on foot, focusing on verbal engagement with the public.
They seek to support the prevention and reduction of crime as well as the fear of crime. They also address antisocial behaviour and environmental concerns by providing reassurance and guidance to create a safer community.
What is the purpose of the patrols?
To provide comfort in a visual presence to residents and engage with the public, provide advice and support, as well as minimising anti-social behaviour.
Are Safer Street Wardens the Police?
No, our Safer Streets Wardens are funded by the Home Office through the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk. However, the Wardens are recruited and managed by Breckland Council through the Environmental Protection and Enforcement Team.
Do Safer Street Wardens work with the Police?
Our Wardens take a collaborative approach with multiple services and organisations, one of these being Norfolk Constabulary through occasional partnered patrols and sharing intelligence to reach solutions.
How are the areas chosen to patrol?
The areas are chosen through evidence-based analysis gathered by public reports and observations, which identify hotspots within the PSPO and targeted neighbourhoods.
Do Safer Street Wardens patrol on foot?
Yes, our Safer Street Wardens patrol on set walks on the PSPO segment and targeted neighbourhoods.
What are the benefits for residents?
Our Wardens provide a flexible and dynamic response to anti-social behaviour issues, as well as a visible enforcement service with links to the council CCTV network to provide intelligence and response to live issues and enhance local problem solving with a focus on residents and businesses.
These processes, as well as face-to-face engagement with the public will help create a safer community.
What Powers do Safer Street Wardens have?
Our Wardens will be allocated certain powers to help deal with key incidents in the community. This will include authority to:
- Take enforcement action against PSPO breaches
- Issue Fixed Penalty Notices and Community Protection Notices
- Issue Abandoned Vehicle Notices
- Enter on to Land or Premises
A full list of these powers will be made available on this page at a later date
Can Safer Streets Wardens detain people?
No, our Safer Street Wardens do not have the authority to detain members of the public.
Do Safer Streets Wardens wear uniform?
Our Safer Street Wardens wear a uniform which consists of a high visibility jacket and body armour, which are titled 'Safer Streets Warden'. They also have a radio and a body cam.
Do Safer Streets Wardens wear a body cam?
Our Safer Street Wardens use body cams for the protection of the public and wardens.
Information regarding how body cams are used can be found on ourSurveillance Cameras FAQ page.
How often do Safer Street Wardens Patrol?
Our Street Wardens will patrol on a number of days each week including evenings and Saturdays. On occasion they will also assist with key community events.
How will the Project be evaluated?
The Street Wardens project will be evaluated regularly through statistical data, public surveys and engagement.
Have your say
If you are a business, resident or visitor to Thetford, we welcome any feedback that you would like to provide to the wardens.
Feedback will be used to establish positive aspects of the work that they do, but also help us to improve the service.
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