Hackney s new Community Safety Wardens have already had a number of successes since patrols began on 1 March. Firearms, knives and drugs have been seized through joint operations with various police units, and intelligence has been gathered through the development of relationships with residents and community groups to help inform future patrols and operations.

The 12-strong team play a key function of Hackney s CCTV and Emergency Planning Service, acting as a point of contact for residents on matters of community safety. The wardens can help to address a variety of environmental and safety issues affecting communities within the borough and each warden also has the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for a number of offences including abandoned vehicles, noise abatement and enforcement and fly tipping.

Councillor Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services, said: "The new Community Safety Warden service is already achieving results through its combination of partnership working with the Police and neighbourhood community groups as well as through daily operations and patrols. By working with the wardens residents can play a part in making a positive impact on the community in which they live."

The wardens can help to address issues affecting your community. If you would like to contact your neighbourhood Warden, or invite them to a community event or group meeting, call: 020 8356 6867 (general enquires number, available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday); or email wardens@hackney.gov.uk. For more information about the service, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/safercommunities. In an emergency call 999; to report a non-emergency crime call 101.