Lincolnshire Police welcome creation of new CCTV review volunteer role in bid to clamp down on graffiti in Spalding

More investment will be pumped into a town’s CCTV system in a bid to clamp down on graffiti along with saving valuable police time.

Officers and the public have long been left angered by unsightly tags blighting the Spalding area, but despite a strong camera presence in the town these culprits have so far evaded justice.

However, one councillor says they ‘hope to see several culprits caught and prosecuted in the coming months’.

Lincolnshire Police has welcomed the introduction of a CCTV review volunteer, who will help in the battle against graffiti by monitoring footage from the area.

On top of this a new review facility has been introduced to Spalding Police Station.

With the area’s CCTV monitoring HQ based at Boston, it is hoped this move can help access footage quicker and more effectively.

“We have been successful in securing investment to engage a CCTV review volunteer to further progress CCTV enquiries in relation to this matter,” a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson explained.

“In addition to this, we have also invested in a new CCTV review facility located at Spalding Police Station, which will save valuable police time when investigating crime.

“We shall continue in our effective collaboration with our partners at South Holland District Council to maximise the use of CCTV to detect and deter criminality across the district.”

Police have not revealed how much they have invested in the new additions.

Coun Ingrid Sheard, who recently said the town should ‘give up’ on the system if it is not effective, after a town centre mural by street artist Karl Barfoot was covered in political graffiti, welcomed the move.

“I am really encouraged to hear that the police have received funding and are implementing a volunteer to help reviewing footage and to help with the battle against the blight of graffiti that affects the town consistently,” Coun Sheard said.

“I am hopeful that they can be put in place quickly and await eagerly the positive impact this will have.

“Fines for culprits caught defacing property with graffiti are severe and I hope to see several culprits caught and prosecuted in the coming months.”

Police officers have been attempting to clamp down on these scrawlings which has been labelled ‘unacceptable’ by SHDC’s Coun Gary Taylor.

Independent leader Coun Rob Gibson has also spoken out against graffiti, suggesting anyone caught daubing on property should face the ‘maximum fine’ available, which is currently £150.

What do you think about the graffiti issues in Spalding? Leave a comment below.