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12 May 99

POOLE LAUNCHES NEW ANTI-VANDALISM CAMPAIGN

A brand new campaign to combat vandalism has been launched by the Borough of Poole and Dorset Crimestoppers. The campaign encourages members of the public to ring a freephone number with any information which identifies those responsible for vandalism.

Last year, the Council had to spend more than £120,000 repairing damage caused by vandalism such as graffiti in public toilets, damage to garages and communal areas on housing estates and uprooted plants and trees in parks and open space areas around Poole.

As well as appealing for help from members of the public, new signs advertising contact telephone numbers to report information which leads to the identification of vandals have been erected at public toilets, car parks, schools and parks across Poole.

The campaign supports Poole's Crime and Disorder Strategy launched in April this year which identified the tackling of crime and anti social behaviour as one of its six key priorities. Designed to increase community safety for Poole's residents and visitors, the strategy developed by the Borough of Poole and Dorset Police - Poole Division in partnership with the Police Authority, Probation Service and Health Authority incorporates the views of the local community on tackling crime.

Ann Maguire, Borough of Poole Community Safety Officer said: "In the last 10 years over 20,000 criminals have been arrested and £30 million of stolen property recovered thanks to nation-wide partnerships between Crimestoppers, the Police and the community. We all pay the costs of vandalism but by reporting vandals we can take an active part in preventing and reducing crime locally".

Members of the public with any information towards identifying those responsible for damaging public and private property owned by the Borough of Poole can contact the Community Safety Officer on (01202) 633045. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can ring Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.

A reward of £250 is available for any information leading to an arrest, caution or final warning.

Ann Maguire, Community Safety Officer - tel. 01202 633045