Price on Their Heads

21/11/2003 12:45
A new campaign is offering a £500 reward to people prepared to identify the country's most prolific graffiti 'taggers'.

The 'Name that tag' campaign highlights the short, unsightly signatures and nicknames that are commonly marked on the inside of train and tube carriages, but are also seen on buildings and bridges.

Anyone who identifies a tag on the four different posters can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If the information leads to a conviction, they could be eligible for the reward. Further tags will be publicised once offenders are caught.

Clean-ups of areas worst affected by tagging will accompany the campaign. Graffiti and tagging cost the transport industry millions of pounds in repair bills

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said that graffiti tags spoil people's enjoyment of public places, increase fear of crime and foster an environment where crime and anti-social behaviour can thrive.

"Graffiti tagging is not harmless fun. It creates eyesores which blight our communities and damage people's quality of life.

"Removing graffiti is essential if we are to restore confidence in communities and help address the problems of anti-social behaviour."

The Anti-Social behaviour Bill, which received Royal Assent today, contains a new offence to sell spray paints to under-16s.

The campaign is part of the new 'Together' initiative that plans to target abandoned cars, graffiti, begging and nuisance neighbours across the country.




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