Residents upset at rise in unsightly graffiti tags in Swindon town centre (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Residents upset at rise in unsightly graffiti tags in Swindon town centre
8:20am Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News By Scott D'Arcy
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PC Keith McLaren examines some of the graffiti sprayed in Southampton Street
VANDALS have blighted the town centre with a series of graffiti tags, which residents say is harming the town’s image.
Police said there is a problem with graffiti in the alleyways around Groundwell Road, particularly between the Southampton Street, Northampton Street and Westmorland Road areas.
The ‘tags’ range in size, but many carry the initials NTY or the word Dire and officers are hoping someone will know who is behind the vandalism.
New Eastcott beat manager, PC Keith McLaren, who has recently transferred from Swindon response, said the graffiti issue in the area had been ongoing for a while and it could be down to a gang or an individual.
He said: “The Groundwell Road area of Swindon is currently experiencing a series criminal damages in the form of graffiti tags being sprayed on to residential and commercial property.
“The damage caused is not only unsightly, but is ultimately distressing for the community in the area, and I am keen to trace the offenders.
“We have instigated an increase in patrols of the neighbourhood and will deal robustly with any persons believed to be involved.
“I would urge anyone who has any information to contact us on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
One business owner, Alison Deacon, of Optimum Health Services, said the grafitti was giving the town centre a bad name.
“I’m fed up to the back teeth with it,” she said. “We’ve had it on the back door and now again on the side wall.
“I think the council should be cleaning it off right away so our town looks better. It’s ridiculous because everybody moans that Swindon is not very nice to come to and it’s no surprise when there is grafitti everywhere.
“I think they should make the vandals pay for it when they catch them.
“Someone must know who is doing it – they’ve basically written their name on the wall in some cases.”
If anyone has any information or witnesses vandals in the area call Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Comments(6)
Davey Gravey
says...
12:10pm Tue 8 Jan 13
Tim Newroman
says...
12:29pm Tue 8 Jan 13
“We have instigated an increase in patrols of the neighbourhood and will deal robustly with any persons believed to be involved"
Why do the police insist on continually using their 'robust' buzz word when the public knows full well that the very last word to describe the treatment and punishment that may be meted out to these criminals would be 'robust'.
'Meaningless', 'laughable' and 'pointless', yes. 'Robust', no.
MrAngry
says...
12:31pm Tue 8 Jan 13
They should be given the bill for the damage with a fine on top.
house on the hill
says...
1:33pm Tue 8 Jan 13
Not sure it actually makes much difference, it is a pretty uninviting place to visit anyway thatnks to the recession and a council with no vision (should have gone to specsavers, I think they are still one of the few shops still open!).
And yes even if caught nothing really happens to them anyway. If you are serious about stopping it, you need to have a punishement that not only actually punishes them but also acts as a deterrant for the future. A slap on the wrists or a small fine does neither.
Bobfm ,
says...
7:28pm Tue 8 Jan 13
Tim Newroman wrote:You're absolutely right. But also the council has its part to play. It has powers to make the telecoms companies to clean up their boxes on every street that get covered in tags. Do they ever use these powers? Forget about it!
“We have instigated an increase in patrols of the neighbourhood and will deal robustly with any persons believed to be involved"
Why do the police insist on continually using their 'robust' buzz word when the public knows full well that the very last word to describe the treatment and punishment that may be meted out to these criminals would be 'robust'.
'Meaningless', 'laughable' and 'pointless', yes. 'Robust', no.
Also have people noticed that the council seem to have stopped picking up litter? It's everywhere! Yes it's the idiots who drop it that should be punished but the council just seem to have given up!!
stfcpaul says...
8:22am Tue 8 Jan 13