POLICE and their partners are continuing Operation Mend to reduce vandalism in South Oxfordshire, and have made several arrests in the area already.
A sergeant and six officers have been assigned to the operation and are patrolling hotspot areas that have been identified as suffering from vandalism.
Officers and police staff have been visiting schools to explain to children the consequences of vandalism and graffiti. Damaging property is a criminal offence and can lead to arrest, a fine, a court appearance and even a prison sentence.
Damage to vehicles and buildings accounts for the bulk of all reported crime in South Oxfordshire and affects the quality of life of many people. Such damage can impact on a community and make people feel unsafe. Anti-social behaviour is also an issue which affects people?s daily lives and leads to fear of crime.
Supt Andy Murray, LPA Commander for South Oxfordshire, said: ?This is an excellent start to the campaign and I am pleased with the results so far. I would like to thank the public for calling up and reporting incidents so that we can deal with them.
?I urge people to keep calling in as it helps us focus patrols and in some cases directly intervene and arrest offenders.
?We will continue to fine, arrest and actively pursue those who cause damage in our district.?
If you have information about someone who has damaged property then please contact the police on 0845 8 505 505. If you don?t want to give your name you can call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you see a crime in progress or it is an emergency then dial 999.
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