Perth & Kinross Community Warden Numbers Boosted

Perth and Kinross’s community warden scheme is to be extended to help tackle crime and the fear of crime.

In total, an extra 11 staff will be deployed between Muirton, North Muirton and Rattray from early autumn.

Community wardens have been operating in Letham and Hillyland in Perth since 2004, and the council believes they have had a positive impact.

Wardens do not have the power to arrest offenders, but report incidents they see while on patrol to police.

It is also hoped that they are seen as approachable to members of the public, who can come to them with suggestions and concerns.

‘Real difference’

Meetings will be held with local communities before the wardens start work to find out which particular issues residents want to see dealt with.

Council leader Ian Miller said: “This council is committed to building safe and secure communities.

“Community wardens play an important role in this, as they are already demonstrating in Letham and Hillyland.

“We want to build on this success so I am pleased to announce that the scheme will be expanded into new areas.”

Chief Superintendent Matt Hamilton said: “Community wardens can make a real difference to neighbourhoods as we have seen in the Letham and Hillyland areas of Perth.

“Police officers in these areas liaise with the wardens on a regular basis and have established regular meetings, exchange of information and general support for each other.

“This has been successful. The news today will clearly roll out that success to other areas in Perth and Kinross and I am delighted about that.”