Town crackdown on 'escalating' issue of graffiti

A large colourful piece of graffiti on a wall in a crumbling underpass. It is a wet day and the pavement has water on it.Image source, Crimestoppers
Image caption,

There is graffiti on Wood Street and other parts of Northampton

  • Published

There would be a "zero-tolerance approach" to graffiti, said charity Crimestoppers, as it looked to tackle the "escalating issue" in Northampton.

A four-week campaign has begun to get residents to report cases of the illegal artwork and any information on those responsible, with people able to get in touch anonymously.

It was working with Fearless, its youth service, and West Northamptonshire Council, which has increased the maximum fine for graffiti and other environmental crimes to £500.

"Graffiti is not only an act of vandalism - it undermines community pride, damages both public and private property, and can foster a sense of unease among residents and visitors," the charity said.

The campaign, external, which says "graffiti is not art, but it is a crime", is being advertised across social media and transport to raise awareness.

Graffiti has been painted on three grey windows that have been boarded up. The artwork is in lots of different colours. Image source, Crimestoppers
Image caption,

Graffiti has been painted in an alleyway between Abington Street and Albert Place

A large piece of graffiti on a wall next to an alleyway and a metal fence, close to a shopping precinct. Image source, Crimestoppers
Image caption,

The artwork can been seen on walls, windows, street furniture and buildings

It was part of the town's wider regeneration efforts and aimed to protect the visual appeal and community spirit of neighbourhoods, the charity added.

Lydia Patsalides, the East Midlands regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: "Our communities flourish when we come together to tackle the issues that affect us all.

"Graffiti poses a real threat to the quality of life in Northampton.

"We urge anyone who can provide information about graffiti-related activities to come forward, external."

She reiterated that all reports remained "100% anonymous".

Graffiti on walls, in a town. Image source, Crimestoppers
Image caption,

The illegal artwork has appeared all over Northampton, said Crimestoppers

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