POLICE are going to ‘blitz’ the Darton area in an effort to tackle vandalism and graffiti which is costing £250,000 a year.
Operation Blight has been instigated by the Safer Neighbourhood Team and will focus on areas in Darton, Kexborough and Mapplewell.
The SNT says vandalism and graffiti are one of residents’ major concerns so they are working in partnership with the council and schools.
Criminal damage offences account for 25 per cent of all Barnsley crime and over the next few months the team plan to ‘actively and aggressively address vandalism and graffiti’.
The first stage of the project is to visit Darton High School to present students with examples of graffiti and to make it clear that it is a criminal offence. Pupils will also be encouraged to identify ‘tags’ that make the streets look unsightly.
Then, if youths are identified, the laws will be enforced with offenders being made to repair the damage. There will also be cleanups and extra patrols in the worst areas.
