'Very helpful, very friendly' - new neighbourhood wardens make Balham safer 

Residents have told us that the wardens are “very helpful, very friendly, highly professional and approachable”, and that they feel safer with the wardens around, especially young women working in the area late at night and those heading home from the station after work.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority and the wardens use their own enforcement powers and work closely with other agencies to address nuisances like fly-tipping, street drinking and other behaviour that impact on residents’ lives.

Since starting their patrols in Balham town centre local businesses, including major supermarkets, say they have helped prevent shoplifting, both by intervening and by acting as a deterrent.

They have also issued warnings to e-bike delivery riders who were riding dangerously and referred rough sleepers on to council services.

Since their first day on patrol on 5 March, they have patrolled for a total of 70 hours, reported 59 street issues and had 96 engagements with residents and businesses.

Leader of the Council Simon Hogg said: “The wardens have really hit the ground running, and we’re delighted with the services they have provided so far. They’ve been a reassuring presence on the streets and have helped make everyone feel safer.”

They are part of a borough-wide package of measures to help local people feel safer, including increased CCTV coverage, better lighting and repairing broken street lights, removing fly-tipping and adding graffiti to our 7 Days, 7 rings guarantee, ensuring that local people can easily report problems that will then be swiftly dealt with.

Share your views on the Balham Neighbourhood Wardens at Balham Neighbourhood Wardens Feedback Survey.