Anti vandalism poster to front county-wide campaign

A poster designed by Lance Corporal Deana Wyatt, from the Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force - Hereford Detachment - is to front an anti-vandalism poster campaign by Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership.

14-year-old Deana, from Hereford, entered a competition run by the Partnership to design a hard-hitting poster that will be used across the county. As well as the opportunity to contribute to the campaign, she has also won £300 to spend on new equipment for Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force.

The aim of the campaign is to discourage people from vandalising property including cars, buildings, and items in the community such as play areas, phone boxes and bus shelters.

According to Home Office statistics, it is an increasing problem and two thirds of offenders are aged 21 and under.

If young people are caught causing vandalism, they can receive a criminal record, which could reduce their chances of being accepted onto a course or into university, discourage companies from employing them or make it difficult to travel to some countries, such as America. Offenders may also be fined or given an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

Tackling vandalism, also referred to as criminal damage, is one of Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership's priorities, and it is committed to catching anyone committing this crime. Information databases and CCTV cameras around the county are used to identify, catch and prosecute offenders.

Geoff Hughes, Chair of Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership, said: "Vandalism can have a negative impact on local communities. It can make an area feel uncared for, make people feel worried or unsafe and limit the availability or development of community facilities."

"Just don't do it," was Deana's message to anyone thinking about causing criminal damage.

For more information, please contact Susanne Graham on 01432 260324 or Alison Grange on 01432 260658.