Community payback cleans up graffiti

Date published: 26 July 2010

Convicted criminals sentenced to carry out unpaid work have helped clean up a part of Bury that has been subject to criminal damage.

Graffiti has been sprayed in a number of locations across East Bury, causing concern for residents living in these areas.

Now, as part of the Community Payback scheme, the graffiti has been removed by offenders under the supervision of an officer from Greater Manchester Probation Trust.

Community Payback is a punishment handed out by the courts, with offenders wearing orange high-visibility jackets marked with Community Payback so residents can see they are part of the scheme.

Inspector Charlotte Cadden from Bury East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The graffiti was an eyesore for residents and needed to be removed. Environmental clean-ups are an ideal way of offenders putting something back into the community they have brought misery too.”

Meanwhile, officers from Bury East Neighbourhood Policing Team are taking part in Operation Adopt.

This will see police work alongside local businesses and residents to prevent further criminal damage and gather intelligence on those who cause it.

Inspector Cadden added: “Officers will be patrolling the neighbourhood ensuring anti-social behaviour and criminal damage is kept to a minimum. Those who are responsible may not think their actions are causing harm, but I can assure them that they are and they will be stopped.”

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050. To contact Bury East Neighbourhood Policing Team, phone 0161 856 8127 or email buryeast.npt@gmp.police.uk  

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.