Writing's on wall for graffiti gang

Posted on March 28, 2006

Police have praised members of the public who helped identify 'taggers' responsible for daubing graffiti on walls and street furniture across Leighton Buzzard.

Sergeant Chris Bull of Leighton Police said three youths had been arrested and interviewed following searches of homes in Eaton Bray and Leighton.

"As a result of information received we obtained search warrants and found substantial evidence linking these people to more than 30 incidents of criminal damage," said Sgt Bull.

"Quite literally, once we were inside the writing was on the wall, because they had been practising their tags on their bedroom walls.

"We are grateful for the help we received from the public and to the town council for their co-operation in helping us solve this problem.

"There are others we need to speak to and we will be pursuing them rigorously."

The arrests followed an appeal for information in the Leighton Buzzard Observer in which Sgt Bull urged parents to take responsibility for their children and not let them 'roam at will at all hours of the night.'

"Don't take the out of sight out of mind attitude because your child could be taking the first steps to a criminal record," he said.

"Find out where they are going, who they're with and what they're going to be doing.

"Someone has got to pay to clean the mess up and that someone is you, on your council tax bill and insurance premuims," he added.

Leighton-Linslade Town Council is offering a £200 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone who causes damage to the council's property.

Anyone with information can contact Sgt Bull and the beat team by telephoning 01582 473492.

All calls will be taken in the strictest confidence.

Source: Mick King, Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 March 2006