Praise for crimefighting wardens

Sep 8 2005 By Anna Jeys, Evening Mail

TWO Birmingham street wardens have been hailed among the best crimefighters in the country after scooping a national award.

Sonny Sandhu and Caroline Massey, who work as Street Crime Wardens in the city, have been named in the Government-backed National Warden Achievement Awards.

The community crimefighters were picked from scores of hopefuls for their dedication in ridding the streets of crime and keeping them clean.

Sonny, from Solihull, beat off stiff competition to win first place in the Community Safety category, while Caroline, from Tamworth, was awarded second place and a commendation in the Diversity category.

Both have worked as wardens for Birmingham City Centre Partnership since the scheme was formed in October 2003.

Sonny, 37, was selected for his involvement in the Circle of Deterrent project where he mapped all public and private CCTV systems in the city centre.

The project received an accolade from West Midlands Police who use the system to reduce crime and the threat of terrorism.

He said: "I am thrilled to win the overall award for Community Safety. It is an even greater achievement to collect this award when we have been operating less than two years.

"Winning this national accolade is fantastic, not only for me as an individual but for the whole team who will continue to work to make the city centre a safe environment for all."

Caroline, 33, impressed the judges after inventing a new bag for users of Shopmobility scooters to stop thieves stealing their belongings.

For further information about the scheme, telephone 0121 464 8817.