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Reward offered to catch graffiti artist
A REWARD has been offered in hope of catching a prolific graffiti artist who vandalised walls in Blackpool.
Police say the vandal has spoiled the environment on Leamington Road behind the Salvation Army Citadel by painting the huge scrawl across brickwork there.
And now councillors have agreed to put up a cash reward in the hope witnesses or people who may know the vandals – or so-called "graffiti taggers" – will come forward with information.
Police community support officer Dennis Nelson, who covers that Talbot area, said: "Graffiti spoils our enjoyment of public spaces and increases the fear of crime. I would urge anyone with any information to come forward and help us trace this prolific tagger."
Brothers Gary and Ron Bell, the councillors for the Tablot area, were approached about the problem by local PCSOs and Talbot ward community beat manager Guy Harrison.
In a bid to clean up the area they have decided to put up 50, which comes from the ward council budget, to catch the offender.
The vandal has a unique, jagged style to his or her work.
Coun Gary Bell is hoping the public appeal and reward will cut down on incidents in the future.
"The neighbourhood policing team approached us and told us about the problem," he said.
"And we agreed it was something that had to be tackled and said let's see how we can combat it, because anything that will improve the quality of life for local residents is obviously a priority.
"So we decided to put up the reward with the money coming from the ward budget."
Despite the problems, Coun Gary Bell said he did not believe graffiti was a widespread problem in Blackpool.
"We have had this problem but I don't want to paint a terrible picture," he said.
"On the whole I think graffiti problems have reduced.
"But it has been affecting this particular area and we want to stamp it out as soon as possible."
Anyone with any information should contact Blackpool Police on (01253) 293933 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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