Witney News - Vandalism – it's your call - West Oxfordshire

Vandalism – it's your call - West Oxfordshire

Over 40% of reported crime in West Oxfordshire last year was vandalism and in December there were 53 incidents in Witney alone.

The main perception is that this type of crime is always committed by teenagers but the main offenders tend to be aged 16-25 years old and often under the influence of alcohol. There are very few repeat offenders but the rising amount of vandalism increases insurance premiums and blights communities.

“We all have a responsibility to each other to stamp out vandalism and damage in our neighbourhood and we can do this by identifying those causing the problem,” explains Bill Butcher, Crime Reduction Adviser. "Is it fair that we all have to pay for someone else's mindless act? Offenders of vandalism are living among your neighbourhoods - they may be friends, neighbours or relatives. It's vital that the police receive information on these incidents in order to crack down on the perpetrators."

Information can be reported through the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 or anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.