Graffiti Removal Project Launched
Thursday, 22nd October 2009
An initiative lead by Central Scotland Police is being launched today (October 21st) which will see offenders who are ordered to carry out community service tasked with removing graffiti from vandalised property.
The Graffiti Project has been developed between the police, criminal justice services and Stirling Council's Community Wardens and Land Services.
Stirling Area Commander Superintendent Davie Flynn said: "The project was developed with two objectives - the removal of unsightly graffiti to improve the environment in our communities and ensuring offenders made a positive contribution to the community after committing offences.
"This innovative project is the first if its kind in the UK. Graffiti can have a negative impact on people's perception of an area and this project will hopefully make our communities feel safer. The project also allows for victims within communities to see the damage caused removed quickly and may prevent repetition of the crime."
Once vandalism is reported to the police, Stirling Council Community Wardens will speak with the property owner to obtain authorization for the clean-up by offenders and it will then be referred to Criminal Justice Service who will arrange for the work to be carried out.
Carol Hamilton, Stirling Council Tennant Service manager, said: "The opportunity provided by this project is the removal of graffiti from communities which are most vulnerable. The properties which will see graffiti removed include those of mixed tenure and private accommodation."
Craig Gardner, Stirling Council Land Services Team Leader, said: "This graffiti removal project will enhance the services we already provide, to improve the local environment for everyone. Any reduction in graffiti can only have a positive effect on the surrounding area, improving the overall appearance within the public realm."
Michael Grassom, Service manager for Criminal Justice Services. said: "There is an emphasis on more meaningful projects for community-based sentences. This innovative project will see low level offenders repairing for the crimes within their communities. At the same time they will also be completing meaningful work within the community."
Anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
