Neighbourhood police appeal for graffiti offenders

Date published: 30 September 2011

Officers and PCSOs from the Ramsbottom and Tottingham Neighbourhood Policing Team are appealing to the local community for help to identify graffiti offenders operating in the area.

The officers have been working with high schools and colleges to track down graffiti offenders, after tags were found around the Tottington and Walshaw area.

A leaflet, displaying examples of the tags, was distributed to all high schools and colleges in Bury in an attempt to identify the offenders. There are five main graffiti tags, which often feature together, these are: ‘Name’, ‘Unknown’, ‘MEN’, a capital ‘A’ and ‘Nige’.

Officers are now appealing for members of the public to look at the pictures of the tags and come forward with details of the offenders.

The main target for graffiti has been Tottington St.John's Cricket Club. The club has had to spend a substantial amount of money removing graffiti from around the site.

PC Carolyn Morley said: “Working with local schools has put a stop to any further tags appearing but enquiries are still ongoing to identify the culprits and we are appealing for help from the community.

“It is important to remember that crimes such as graffiti and littering make an area look run down.

“Catching the people who commit these crimes discourages people from committing them in the future and helps residents to feel happier and safer in their communities.”

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about crime on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that 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.

Your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams are also there to listen to your concerns and you can contact them on the following:

Ramsbottom – 0161 856 8181 or ramsbottom.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Bury West – 0161 856 8025 or burywest.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Bury East – 0161 856 8127 or buryeast.npt@gmp.police.uk
Radcliffe – 0161 856 8291 or radcliffe.npt@gmp.police.uk
Whitefield – 0161 856 8204 or whitefield.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Prestwich – 0161 856 4538 or prestwich.npt@gmp.police.uk