Street wardens get body cameras

The body cameras clip onto the wardens' jackets

Street wardens in a Leicestershire borough are being given body cameras to record incidents they investigate and help them gather evidence.

The cameras will be fixed to jackets worn by the wardens in Charnwood and images can either be viewed on a hand-held monitor or computer.

The cameras will not be in constant use but are a "key weapon in tackling environmental crime", officials said.

It is also hoped the cameras will help the 18 wardens feel safer when out.

Street wardens hand out fixed penalty notices for minor offences such as littering, graffiti and fly-posting as well as arranging the removal of abandoned cars.

Increasing safety

They also work closely with the police on more serious crimes such as fly-tipping.

"They give the wardens increased self confidence as they know that if anything was to happen, they can record it," said Kevin Biddulph, Charnwood Borough Council's head of street management.

Councillor Mike Preston added: "This is just another tool in our armour in ensuring that our street wardens can tackle environmental crimes head on and provide substantial and supportive evidence for court cases.

"It sends out a strong, clear message to those that commit environmental crimes that we are serious in catching the belligerent minority."