The Neighbourhood Wardens Team administers a programme that funds a uniformed semi-official presence in residential and high crime areas with the aim of reducing crime and vandalism and the fear of crime. Neighbourhood wardens work closely with residents, police and local authorities to tackle deprivation and anti-social behaviour at grass-roots level. Often they provide a reassuring presence in a community, and have a number of roles depending on local needs.

The Neighbourhood website provides plenty of information on wardening, including funding, awards and training visit www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/nmwt/wardens.asp or telephone 020 7944 2537, There is also an online resource for warden scheme managers and practitioners to share good practice, news stories and other items of interest at www.ecommunities.odpm.gov.uk

A range of publications for the public giving advice on how they can tackle specific issues such as vandalism. Crime Concern aims to empower people to take action and to reduce the fear of crime and crime itself at a local level. It also provides information on the Crime and Disorder Act.Visit www.crimeconcern.org.uk or telephone 01793 863 500

Community Support Officers do not have the same powers as a fullyfledged police officer, yet they are a visible patrolling presence and an effective crime deterrent, especially with regard to anti-social behaviour and vandalism. As well as being able to issue fixed penalty tickets for minor anti-social behaviour, CSOs can demand the name and address of a person acting in an anti-social manner. Other CSO powers include being able to confiscate alcohol being consumed in a public place, confiscate tobacco from young people and seize any vehicles that are being used to potentially harm other people.

For more information visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/communitysafety/#4  Or visit the online information resource for crime reduction at www.crimereduction.gov.uk or telephone 01347 825058

Crime is tackled in every local area by Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) – a combination of police, local authorities and other organisations and businesses who have come together to develop and implement strategies for tackling crime and disorder at the local level. There are 376 CDRPs to cover nearly every local authority area in England and Wales. Each one produces an audit and strategy for its local area.

For further information and  to get ideas for local crime reduction initiatives or to view crime statistics visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk or telephone 01347 825058

Launched by the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit of the Home Office, the TOGETHER campaign aims to get tough on anti-social behaviour such as vandalism. An ActionLine is available every weekday on 0870 220 2000, to provide information, and to discuss solutions and best practice to help practitioners tackle anti-social behaviour throughout England and Wales.

For further information visit www.together.gov.uk.