A typical Street Warden day can involve a variety of different duties ranging from tackling anti-social behaviour, investigating and removing fly-tipping through to supporting those that may just need a little help and advice. The Street Wardens work in the community with local people and other agencies like the Police and the NHS, to improve people’s wellbeing and the environment.

Below is an example of the type of issues that the Street Wardens deal with, along with details where appropriate of how you can get involved in their work to improve neighbourhoods.

If you have experienced ASB in your neighbourhood, you will understand that it can be frustrating and very distressing. Many local agencies are involved in tackling ASB in Torbay and you can help by reporting issues and providing information. If you need some support, help or advice please contact the Street Warden for your area (see Contact Street Wardens page).If you would like to know what is being done to tackle ASB in Torbay, visit the Safer Communities Torbay  or Devon & Cornwall Police  websites.

The Street Wardens work closely with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service  to reduce the risk of fire in the home and they also carry out free Home Safety Checks. The Street Wardens can provide advice and practical assistance to try and prevent the causes of fire. This may involve the installation of a free fire detector and other items such as extension leads or fire retardant throws where appropriate. The Street Wardens can arrange a mutually convenient time to come and visit you to talk about home safety and if you would like further information contact us.

If you live outside of a Street Warden area but would like more information about a free Home Safety Check, contact the Fire Service direct on telephone 01392 872200 or visit the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service website.

Dog fouling is a health hazard, a nuisance and is also unsightly. You can help the Street Wardens to tackle dog fouling in your neighbourhood by reporting persistent offenders. If you know of someone who never picks up after their dog, please contact the Street Wardens with details about when the problem is happening, along with a description of the person and their dog. With this information, the Street Wardens and the Dog Wardens can target their patrols with a greater chance of catching offenders. Those caught failing to pick up after their dog may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for £75. For more information about dog fouling and to report an offender online, visit our Dog Fouling page. On the page you can also download a poster about dog fouling which you can put up at your home if you wish.

The Street Wardens deal with environmental issues like Flytipping, litter and Graffiti. Where these issues take place on public property, the Street Wardens will take action to ensure that the problem is resolved. If fly-tipping, litter or graffiti occurs on private property, the Street Wardens will try to contact the person responsible for the land or building, and ask them to arrange for it to be removed.

Having a recognisable uniformed presence in an area can have a positive impact on how people feel. The Street Wardens can tackle problems as they see them, and work closely with other agencies to help reduce crime and anti social behaviour. There are many different ways in which you can contact a Street Warden. Visit our Contact Street Wardens page for details.

If you need support or information about an issue, or if you are concerned about a neighbour, please contact a Street Warden for advice. All information is treated in the strictest of confidence and if the Street Warden is unable to answer your query, they will refer you to an agency or an individual who can help.

The Street Wardens work within the community to help make it a better place to live for local people. The Street Wardens can arrange community clean up activities, events and other environmental improvement projects. If you would like to get involved in a community project in your neighbourhood, contact the Street Wardens.

If you want to take a stand against people who commit environmental crimes in your neighbourhood, you can contact the Street Wardens for information and advice. You can also report incidents like graffiti, fly-posting, litter, fly-tipping and dog fouling online using the council’s online system.

Because they really can make a difference! An independent assessment by central Government of Neighbourhood Warden Schemes from across the country reported a 28% reduction in crime and fear of crime in areas with Street Wardens.

The assessment also found a 10% reduction in fear of street robbery and muggings and the fear of bogus callers reduced by 6%. 25% of residents reported increased satisfaction with their neighbours, particularly with reductions in the levels of graffiti, litter, fly-tipping, abandoned cars and dog fouling. This evaluation also said:

“Wardens are a new generation of neighbourhood officials that know the problems, face the people, and take action.”