Police patrols end ‘blight’ of graffiti vandal
CULPRIT WAS
CAUGHT WITH
A MAN who spray-painted graffiti across Hinckley, Barwell and Earl Shilton has been sentenced after being caught in the act by police officers.
Joshua Harper, 24, started spraypainting different “tags” across the area last year.
But when officers started patrolling in the Barwell Lane area of Hinckley in November last year to try to identify the culprit, Harper was caught in possession of cans of paint.
He was also found in possession of cannabis.
An investigation was carried out by the local beat team with more than 540 pieces of graffiti identified affecting 52 property owners.
Areas graffitied included canal bridges, underpasses, skate parks, walls, lampposts and litter bins.
At Leicester Magistrates’ Court last week, Harper, of Shilton Road, Barwell, pleaded guilty to 52 offences of criminal damage, as well as one count of possession of cannabis.
He was issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order which prohibits him from possessing a permanent marker pen or spray paint in a public place for two years.
He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
Pc Darren Measures, of Leicestershire Police, said: “The graffiti carried out by Harper caused a blight on the local communities and spoiled parts of the towns which should be there for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“Officers took proactive action to identify Harper and bring him to court to stop this crime from continuing.
“Anyone who has any information regarding anti-social behaviour including criminal damage is urged to speak to us and report it to us so that we can continue to take the necessary action to help keep our communities safe and protected.”