Graffiti Watch

As part of a project to combat the effects of Anti-Social Behaviour in North Lincs. A joint initiative between HANWaG and the Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership is about to be launched.

Criminal damage in the form graffiti is a common type of Anti-Social Behaviour – particularly where the graffiti is of an obscene, personal or racist nature. Due to staff shortages and the volume of incidents, it can take the local authority many weeks to remove the offensive words or pictures. During this time delay the obscenities are often added to, thus creating greater distress for victims and increasing damage to the building and residential environment. (The “Broken Window Syndrome”)

 Following suggestions from several Neighbourhood Watch and Community groups, several ‘Graffiti Kits’ have been purchased for distribution to any Neighbourhood Watch Groups who are suffering the effects of graffiti in their neighbourhoods. The kits include protective clothing, goggles etc and suitable chemicals for the removal of the offending material. In addition, in order to comply with Health and Safety regulations, a half day training course will have to be undertaken by those members of a Neighbourhood Watch Group who wish to take part in the initiative.

 It is hoped that these neighbourhoods where graffiti is a problem will be able to remove the offending material almost immediately after reporting the incident, thereby reducing the trauma and upset caused to victims and maintaining the fabric of the environment.

If you would like to find out more about Graffiti Watch, or Neighbourhood Watch, contact:

Ken Bates

(N  Lincs Neighbourhood Watch Development Officer)

Tel: 01724 274222

Email: kbates@hanwag.org.uk