Wardens to tackle crime on estates

The wardens are on the streets of Havering

Two notorious estates in east London are being patrolled by neighbourhood wardens to reduce crime.

The scheme has been set up after Havering Council and its partners, which include Havering Police, were successful in their bid for a government grant of £445,000.

The wardens will tackle a number of problems including crimes, such as graffiti and vandalism, but they will have no powers to arrest suspects.

Caroline Edwards, senior neighbourhood warden, said; "We want to be approachable for the public at all times and will be customer focused.

The high visibility of the wardens will also mean that the residents will feel safer

Chief Inspector Howard Back, Havering Police

"One of the things we can do is to act as a third party when residents may not be comfortable of giving evidence."

The wardens will assist the police, various council departments and other public sector agencies.

Chief Inspector Howard Back, Havering Police community safety manager, said: "The wardens will improve the quality of life for residents by for example reporting environmental problems quickly to the council.

Extensive training

"The high visibility of the wardens will also mean that the residents will feel safer."

The first neighbourhood wardens started patrolling the streets on Monday following an extensive six-week training and induction course.

Councillor David Hill, chair of the Single Regeneration Budget, said: "Now that the wardens have completed their training they are now ready to take up their role in the community.

"Once the relationships have developed between residents and wardens the benefits to the community will become apparent."

Eight wardens have been employed to act as the eyes and ears of the community in Harold Hill and Rainham.