Getting Tough With Vandals

On 04/09/2006 At 12:00 am

POLICE in Oxfordshire are getting tough on vandals as part of the Force-wide Safer Streets campaign.
Vandalism currently makes up nearly 20 per cent of all crime in the County.
Chief Supt. Dave McWhirter said: ?Vandalism affects thousands of people in Oxfordshire every year. We are committed to tackling this crime and are putting strategies into action across the five local police areas in the county.
?The ethos of this campaign is about making people feel safer where they live and work because vandalism significantly contributes to the fear of crime as well as being expensive and unsightly.?

Officers are targeting persistent offenders and carrying out high-visibility patrols in vandalism hotspots. Work is also being carried out with partner organisations and licensees. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) and ASBOs are also sought against persistent offenders.

Ch Supt McWhirter said: ?A mindless act of vandalism after a night?s drinking can have serious consequences. A moment?s stupid behavior could affect the rest of your life.?

The consequences:
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