THE number of “civilian” police patrols in Kent’s towns and villages is set for a major expansion as part of a drive to crack down on petty crime and anti-social behaviour.

County councillors are set to back plans which would see 100 uniformed community wardens out on the streets by March next year.

Kent County Council says many of the new wardens will, for the first time, be assigned to work in urban areas and not just rural villages.

KCC’s ruling Conservative cabinet believes the existing group of 34 wardens it appointed two years ago has proved a success.

Under the plans, the original target of having 100 wardens on the streets by 2006 would be achieved a year early while the current number will more than double.

KCC says it is prepared to spend an additional £323,000 to pay for the expansion.

The wardens are a key element of a joint initiative known as the KCC and Kent Police Community Safety Partnership, launched two years ago. Its aims are to reduce crime and fear of crime, to address anti-social behaviour and low level crime.

There are currently 34 community wardens in Kent, along with ten police community support officers, working at 40 rural locations.

Uniformed wardens have limited powers but work closely with the police to report anti-social behaviour, vandalism and other incidents. Police community support officers have slightly more power but cannot make arrests.

Council leader Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart (Con) said: “I am a firm believer in the need to reduce crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. Wardens provide a visible presence and strong links with the community. The scheme is an unqualified success and I believe it should be expanded now.”

Opposition Labour group leader Cllr Mike Eddy said while he welcomed the expansion, KCC should have targeted high crime areas at the start.

“If this kind of scheme is to work, it should be directed at high crime areas and that is in the urban areas first. KCC got things back to front,” he said.