A PETERHEAD DIY store hopes to erase the problem of vandalism in the town by
banning the sale of aerosol paints to under 21s.
Disgusted: Robert Clubb of Focus and PC John Pirie examine the
graffiti at the rear of the store
Focus store manager Robert Clubb says the move is a positive reaction to a
vandalism problem which has grown steadily worse in the past three months, not
only with the store but also in the town centre.
He told the Buchan Observer: "Since January vandals have been targeting
the rear of Focus and Halfords and it is really disappointing to see the state
of the building.
"The problem is getting worse and worse and something has to be done.
"The vandalism isn't just a problem for us here at Windmill Street it
is rearing it's ugly head all over Peterhead. So we have decided not to sell
aerosol spray paints to under 21s."
The move was welcomed by PC John Pirie of Grampian Police, who said:
"This is a very positive response from Focus. I have spoken to other retail
premises in the town and have been met with a similar response.
"Grampian Police views this as being a very serious problem. We are
following positive lines of inquiry regarding the people responsible for the
graffiti at the rear of Focus and if they are traced they can be charged with
vandalism or malicious mischievous."
PC Pirie says this is not an isolated problem as many parts of Peterhead
including schools have been targeted by vandals. He added: "We believe it
is youths carrying out the vandalism and we would like to raise parents
awareness that if they do see their child with spray paints they know what it
could be being used for."
If you catch vandals in the act you can contact Grampian Police on 0845
600-5-700 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
