Who are they, and what are their powers?

STREET rangers are meant to be a reassuring presence for businesses and their customers in many town centres.

They can be called on to deal with shoplifters and disorderly behaviour, and to ensure litter is not dumped on the streets.

Their powers include the right to require someone to give their name and address within reason, the right to stop cyclists riding illegally on a footpath or pavement and the right to control traffic.

Rangers may also work with other organisations to reduce the numbers of those begging on the streets.

Police forces were given the option to delegate powers to them under the 2002 Police Reform Act. It is unclear how many operate in Britain, but they have become a familiar presence in cities such as York, Newcastle and Leeds.