Wardens get powers to tackle anti-social behaviour

Six people in uniform stand in front of two white vans, looking at the camera. Most have their hands clasped in front of them, and five of the six are wearing tactical vests, with reflective strips and radios attached. — Image caption,
The move means some community wardens can demand details of people suspected of causing trouble

5 September 2025

Community wardens in Warwick have been given extra powers to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

The move allows a number of them to demand the name and address of people suspected of being involved in incidents, as well as seize alcohol and tobacco from children.

Refusing to comply with a request from a warden who has accreditation to use the additional powers could lead to arrest, warned Warwickshire Police.

It added that allowing wardens to more effectively assist with low-level incidents throughout the town will provide invaluable support to officers.

The wardens will need to get approval from the force under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) before they can make use of the extra powers.

Head of community protection at Warwick District Council, Marianne Rolfe, described the move as a welcome step for the wardens, who are "already recognised as a reassuring and supportive presence".

The new powers will allow them to provide more support to police colleagues as they work collectively to keep communities safer, Ms Rolfe added.