Four arrested in graffiti blitz (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Four arrested in graffiti blitz

FOUR teenagers have been arrested for carrying marker pens in the latest blitz on graffiti. Youths in Grange Park, west Swindon, were warned last week that they faced arrest if caught with markers or spray paint.

PC Paul Matthews , the community beat officer for the area, has confirmed that two 16-year-olds were arrested on Thursday outside Greendown School.

Both were released without charge after a ticking-off from officers.

It followed two arrests outside Asda supermarket yards from the school in Grange Park Way.

One youth, who was carrying a knife and a marker pen was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to commit criminal damage and was released on bail pending further inquires.

It is thought the four youths, who are all aged 16 and so cannot be named for legal reasons, were former pupils at Greendown School.

The blitz has the backing of the school, which takes a hard line on graffiti.

Headteacher Steve O'Sullivan will this week meet police to discuss forming working parties of offenders who will be sent out into community to clean up graffiti.

PC Matthews said officers are out to make life difficult for those who do not heed their warning.

"The message is simple if you are caught with marker pens or spray paint you will be arrested," he said.

And, while it is difficult to formally charge a suspect, PC Matthews said a few hours in a cell should serve as a good deterrent.

"There is no problem arresting them but formally charging them is difficult," he said.

"However, a few hours of their time will be taken up while we sort out the paperwork."

PC Matthews has already obtained cleaning materials from Swindon Commercial Services.

He said: "I have a big tub of cleaning wipes specially designed to remove graffiti from shiny surfaces.

"I also have several pairs of safety spectacles. Swindon Services have told me I can collect more if there is high demand."

Mr O'Sullivan has told pupils that there is no reason to bring marker pens or paint to school.

PC Matthews said: "Marker pens are occasionally used in art classes but the school has its own supply which is kept under lock and key."

Kevin Shoesmith