A poster campaign urging people to report graffiti taggers has been launched by Shepway Council and Kent Police.

Taggers leave their own trademark graffiti 'tag' when they deface walls, road signs, pavements, and other objects.

Posters and flyers reproduce some of the tags with the message 'Graffiti makes Shepway look ugly. If you know who is doing it, report it' and urge people to text a number or call or email Shepway Community Safety Unit. All calls are treated in confidence.

The campaign coincides with a graffiti clean-up being undertaken by Shepway Council's cleansing team. The team is now responsible for removing graffiti on public land or land owned by the council - a role previously run by the Probation Service as part of the community payback scheme.

Using a high-pressure washer, the team can remove graffiti within 28 workings days of it being reported. Offensive or racist graffiti will be removed or obscured within one working day.

Cllr Hugh Barker, Shepway Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Community Safety, said one of the council's key priorities was to improve the appearance of the district.

"Graffiti makes our towns look ugly. It is not art, it is criminal damage and people expect us to do something about it. Removing it is one solution but it would be better if we could stop in happening - which is why the campaign is trying to persuade people to report the taggers."

Removing graffiti from private land or property is the responsibility of the owner.

The number to text in total confidence is 07812 989 361 or call the Community Safety Unit on 01303 853 600 or email csu@shepway.gov.uk [4]

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010