Street wardens in East Durham are to be issued with stab vests to keep them safe on patrol.
District of Easington Council is handing out the protection to its 18 street wardens, who have the power to confiscate cigarettes from under 16s and alcohol off anyone causing a nuisance.
They can also issue fines for environmental crimes such as littering, fly-tipping, dog fouling and graffiti.
Ian Hoult, Environmental Enforcement Manager, said: “The decision to issue stab vests has been taken as a preventative measure rather than a reactive one.
“Fortunately we have never had cause to need them but it is vital that we take all steps necessary to protect staff who patrol our streets.”
The move by District of Easington Council follows that of other councils across the country including neighbouring authorities Wear Valley and Stockton.
News article created on the 08 May 2008