Vandal caught red-handed (From Witney Gazette)

Vandal caught red-handed

3:06pm Tuesday 12th December 2006 in Witney

A VANDAL was caught red-handed after spraying graffiti at Witney public toilets.

A man was spotted at the toilets in Welch Way by a council contractor, who was on his way to clean up existing graffiti on the toilet walls last Friday.

The employee contacted the police, and the offender was apprehended and arrested for criminal damage.

He was later released with a caution, which will remain on his record.

Police neighbourhood manager, Sgt Scott Evans, said: "Damage to public toilets not only costs council taxpayers money, but it also increases the fear of crime.

"I would like to send a warning to individuals who act anti-socially in public places - we're working closely with council colleagues targeting locations at times when offences are being committed and individuals we believe are responsible.

"Police and council officers are often in plain clothes.

"You've been warned."

Criminal damage amounts to 40 per cent of all reported crime in West Oxfordshire. It has fallen three per cent in the last three months on the three months before.

David Harvey, district council member for environmental services, said: "Graffiti is ugly and spoils the environment for everyone.

"I am delighted that an offender has been caught.

"I urge anyone who witnesses a graffiti vandal in action, or has any evidence, to dial 999.

"In Witney, we have a framework of CCTV cameras, that can be used to track suspects."