To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Neighbourhood Wardens Initiative schemes have been established in England and Wales since 2000; where such schemes have been in operation; and how many people are employed as neighbourhood wardens. [98186]

I have been asked to reply.Since 2000, 207 Neighbourhood Warden schemes have become active. We are currently bringing forward a further 38 schemes. Employment figures for these schemes stand at a total of 1,464 wardens.There are 245 wardens schemes distributed across the following regions:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been undertaken to assess whether Neighbourhood Warden Initiative schemes (a) have reduced crime, (b) have provided public reassurance and (c) are an effective deterrent to anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement. [98187]

I have been asked to reply.The research of the Neighbourhood Warden schemes funded by my department began in 2001 and involves a series of national and local quantitative surveys as well as in-depth qualitative investigations into case study areas. The evaluation of Neighbourhood Wardens is ongoing. Evaluation of the Street Warden programme, is in its early stages and interim reports are not yet available.Copies of the 'Neighbourhood Wardens Scheme Evaluation Case Studies—Preliminary Report' and the `Implications Paper' have been placed in the library of the House. The indications from these and other interim reports are that warden schemes are contributing to a reduction in levels of crime, provide public reassurance and are effective in deterring anti-social behaviour.