Vandal made to clean off graffiti
A teenager who plastered his estate in graffiti 'tags' has been made to clean them up.
The 15-year-old spent a day with Wigan Council's graffiti-busting team on a clean-up operation – and was spared the criminal justice system.
Pat Shacklock, leader of Atherton and Tyldesley neighbourhood team, said: "Graffiti is one of those low-level crimes which has a great nuisance value and can only get worse if left unchecked.
"Whilst it's fair to say it's not a big problem in the area at present, we were beginning to receive complaints from the local community about particular areas where street furniture was being targeted so we decided to see what we could do."
Neighbourhood officers Matt Ormrod and Fiona France used local sources to track down the culprit.
"It was quite easy to identify who was doing this through their graffiti signature or tag," said Matt. "At some place they had even written their name. When we went to see the young person at home there was even some of the same graffiti-writing close by.
"Rather than make him face a prosecution for this, we decided it would be best to let him see how big a problem it can be and give him the chance to make good on his mistake.
"His parents were very supportive and pleased that he would not be facing criminal proceedings."
Accompanied by Matt and Atherton-based police officer PC John Quigley, the young man took to the streets to clean up after himself.
PC Quigley said: "Full credit to the young man for owning up and wanting to put things right.
"We wanted him to see that graffiti isn't a victimless crime and because it's the council that cleans up we all end up paying for it.
"The young man has since expressed an interest in art, so we are now looking at ways we can work with him to channel his creative energies into something a bit more constructive."
It can cost up to 20 per metre to get rid of the 'tags'.
Coun Kevin Anderson, Wigan Council's Cabinet Champion for Neighbourhoods, said: "We are sending out a clear message that it will not be tolerated.
"The young person did the right thing in owning up to their mistake and we are all really pleased that they decided to do the right thing and put the damage right.
"Whist it is no excuse to blame such actions on boredom or having nothing to do, we have seen that by working with young people we can direct them away from this type of behaviour and put their talents to use in more positive ways."
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
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