THAMES Valley Police has announced the accreditation of three new ‘wardens’ as part of a new community scheme to deal with anti-social behaviour.
At a ceremony on January 29, Superintendent Colin Hudson presented Wardens Gary Nicholls, Jamie Eden and Barry Smith with certificates to mark their accreditation under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, following the scheme’s approval by the Chief Constable.
They work in the town’s Business Improvement Districts (BID) in Reading and are employed by Argenbright Security Europe Limited (ASEL), the director of which, Peter Fisher, was also presented with a certificate.
They were joined by officers from the force as well as Reading’s Business Improvement Districts Manager, Alexa Volker.
The BID Wardens have now been granted the power to require giving of name and address, especially in the case of anti-social behaviour, as well as deal with begging, and to stop cycles.
The wardens wear a distinctive black uniform featuring the company and CSAS home office logo with a red vest featuring ‘Reading BID Business Improvement District’.
The appointment of the team follows their attendance of an approved CSAS training course which covers the use of their specific powers as well as mandatory elements such as conflict management, personal safety, recording evidence and statement writing.
By participating in the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, Argenbright Security Europe Limited plan to increase safety, reduce crime and support the Police and support those who live, work, visit and spend their leisure time within the Reading Business Improvement District.
The new role is designed to work closely with TVP, the local council, and local shops and businesses to stem anti-social behaviour, disorder and nuisance.
The Business Improvement District in Reading is an area covered by a member-funded and governed initiative to provide several key services and activities to help make the town centre a cleaner, safer and more attractive place to live, work and shop
