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Case Study
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council's Community Safety Warden Initiative (June 2024)
In June 2024, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, in partnership with Gwent Police, launched a Community Safety Warden initiative aimed at tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and increasing community safety. The service includes three full-time community safety wardens and two additional wardens to provide support as needed. The wardens, part of the ASB Task Force, collaborate with local police, registered social landlords, youth services, and enforcement wardens to address ASB hotspots and provide a visible, reassuring presence in key areas.
Key Objectives
- Provide high-profile, uniformed patrols to increase community safety and well-being.
- Reduce ASB through proactive engagement, evidence gathering, and collaboration with local authorities and the police.
- Strengthen community trust and resilience by increasing confidence in local authorities’ ability to tackle public order issues.
Outcomes to date
101 calls to the police reduced by 40%, indicating a significant decrease in ASB incidents.
Five injunctions issued to address the most troublesome offenders.
Positive feedback from shop owners and managers, who feel safer due to the direct engagement with wardens through the newly introduced Store Net system*.
*Store Net: An initiative that supports local retailers and provides direct communication links to Community Safety and Enforcement Wardens and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) has been instrumental in preventing retail crime and ASB in town centres.
“The growing violence and abuse towards shop staff is deeply upsetting. This partnership is making a real difference in tackling these issues.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd
Impact
Increased Safety and Engagement
Community members report feeling safer and more comfortable engaging with wardens, without fear of being seen as informants.
Improved Morale
Wardens report high levels of job satisfaction, noting the gratitude they receive from local businesses and the positive impact they are making.
Case Study Summary
The Community Safety and Enforcement Wardens service has become a highly effective model of collaboration between the local authority, police, local businesses, and residents. By working together, stakeholders have successfully created safer, more resilient communities in Blaenau Gwent. The service not only addresses Anti-Social Behaviour and crime but also fosters a sense of unity and trust, enhancing the overall well-being of the area. This partnership demonstrates how coordinated efforts between public and private sectors can make a tangible, positive impact on community safety and resilience.