Wardens hit the streets

The two officers - Mark Wodarek-Black and Nickie Stockley - stepped onto the beat as part of a trailblazing Dorset Police scheme.

Duties of the full-time duo, who will wear red uniforms and drive a red car, include targeting rowdy youngsters, litterbugs, truants and dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

But they also aim to launch new community initiatives, build links between agencies, businesses and people, improve the appearance of areas, cut fear of crime and help vulnerable people.

The Dorset Police and Purbeck District Council scheme was launched with the seven-strong community warden team, council representatives and Chief Constable Jane Stichbury.

Mr Woderak-Black said: "We will be involved in dealing with anti-social and non-police issues.

"But it won't just be a case of telling young people to move on when they are hanging around.

"We will be talking to them and seeing what can be done as well as providing a deterrent as regards such matters as litter and dog fouling."

He added: "It is an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to getting started."

Community wardens, who have recently completed a month's training, will report matters to police and work closely with councils and agencies during the two-year scheme.

Ms Stockley said: "It is a positive scheme and it is important that we establish a good rapport and build links with the community."

The wardens, who are paid staff, will also patrol Swanage, Langton Matravers, Bere Regis, Lytchett Minster, Lytchett Matravers and Upton.

Mrs Stichbury said: "All of us want to maintain Dorset as a safe and wonderful community and place in which to work and live. I hope this new initiative will help reduce crime and fear of crime, improve community safety and the quality of life of people."