Rutland’s MP Calls for U-turn on Street Wardens Scheme

Rutland’s MP Alicia Kearns is demanding the area’s Police and Crime Commissioner scrap plans for private security patrols, claiming they risk damaging public confidence and should be replaced by investment in more police officers.

The scheme, expected to cost around two million pounds, would see Street Wardens deployed in market towns across Leicestershire and Rutland to tackle anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

Alicia Kearns said:

“People on our streets for whom there is no accountability, no clear vetting, no clear rules, and most importantly, they don't have any powers.”

She adds: “So if you found yourself in trouble and there was one of these people near you, what exactly could they do? And the reality is there are concerns from serving police officers that in a real emergency, in a crisis, that actually people wouldn't call nine nine nine or one one one because they saw these individuals.”

She’s called for the funding to be used to recruit more police officers instead.

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said:

“I think the concerns that are being raised are due to the fact that people are yet to hear the full picture and reasoning. There’s a lot of misinformation out there on this at the moment and I am keen to dispel some of that."

“Police recruitment has to be funded for the long term, not just for a couple of years. With PCCs expected to be scrapped in 2028, there is no guarantee funding will exist beyond that point. Recruiting officers now, knowing that there is no budget to fund them in the future – and don’t forget that police officers cannot be made redundant - would be irresponsible and unfair to those individuals."

“Operational decisions about where officers go quite rightly sit with the Chief Constable, who must prioritise serious crime and risk. That means lower‑level but highly visible issues like shoplifting and anti‑social behaviour don’t always get the attention the public would like to see."

“That is exactly why I am investing in Street Wardens."

“Wardens are not police officers, and they are not intended to replace them. Their role is to prevent crime, not to investigate it after the fact. They provide the visible, reassuring presence that so many communities repeatedly tell me they want - and that policing, focused as it must be on higher‑risk matters, cannot always provide."

“Crucially, wardens will not be pulled away to bolster other areas. They will stay where they are needed, building familiarity and trust in the communities they serve."

“This is not an untested idea. Street Wardens have been working in towns across Leicestershire, where they have been warmly welcomed by residents and businesses alike."

“On funding, let me be clear: Leicestershire Police may bid to provide this service, which would keep the funding within the force. However, until the tender process is complete, we will not know the final cost or exactly how many wardens can be deployed. That is how proper procurement works."

“Ultimately, preventing crime is not only better for communities - it is also far more efficient. Every incident prevented is one less call for service, one less investigation, and one less demand on already stretched public resources."

“I am interested in delivery of solutions that actually work for our communities not just a headline. I am focused on solutions that are viable, honest, and make our town centres safer.”