News

Kent Police and Shepway Council are raising awareness of the dangers graffiti vandals are taking by daubing their tags on trains, bridges and high buildings.

Several buildings have been 'tagged' including railway bridges near Folkestone Central Station and officers are concerned about the lengths graffiti criminals are going to.

There is also concern about graffiti damaging the appearance of the district and the social and economic costs to local businesses and the wider community. For example, it can cost up to £5,000 to get one wall re-painted.

Shepway Council's cleansing team have launched a graffiti clean up and have been busy removing graffiti on public land and land owned by the council.

There has been some useful information about graffiti following the launch of a poster campaign advertising a confidential text number for the public to contact.

An investigation by Kent Police working with British Transport Police and Shepway Community Safety Unit has already led to three arrests, with court cases expected in the near future.

Shepway District Council Community Safety Officer Giles Barnard said: 'We feel it is a great shame these individuals choose to act in a way that spoils the appearance of the district; we at the Community Safety Unit will continue to identify the offenders and assist the police in their prosecution'

Sgt Gerry Meers of the Shepway East Neighbourhood Unit said: "Graffiti criminals are risking their lives, and other people's lives and making the district look ugly. Graffiti is a crime and costs hundreds of thousands of pounds to clean up. That is why we investigate all reports, share information with our partners and work hard to bring the offenders to justice.

"I would urge anyone with information about graffiti criminals to text either 07812 989361, call the Shepway Community Safety Unit on 01303 853600 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111," he added.

Shepway District Council Community Safety Officer Giles Barnard said: 'We feel it is a great shame these individuals choose to act in a way that spoils the appearance of the district; we at the Community Safety Unit will continue to identify the offenders and assist the police in their prosecution'.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010