Mendip CCTV helps catch graffiti artist

Portishead,Bristol,UK

(Glastonbury)

Added - Wednesday, 1 December 2004 9:20

A 16-year-old youth has been cautioned for graffiti damage in Glastonbury after he was captured on CCTV.

On November 28 staff operating the CCTV system in the town watched the teenager graffiti the Town Hall and various items of street furniture with a thick marker pen.

The staff contacted the police and directed officers to the offender, who was arrested and cautioned for the offence.

Since his arrest the male has been visited by police and is now subject to an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) which is a voluntary agreement and sets certain conditions on how he conducts himself in public around Glastonbury.

Glastonbury Town Sergeant Titus Halliwell said: " This is a classic example of the results achieved by the close partnership between Mendip CCTV and the police.

“Without the volunteers who watch our streets we would have had great difficulty identifying this offender.

"The CCTV system is one year old this month. Its impact on helping to reduce crime has been tremendous and has greatly assisted in the improved numbers of offenders being brought to justice.

“The Glastonbury Beat Team is determined to make impact on anti social behaviour in the town. The ABC sends out a strong message that we do not accept this type of behaviour."