Guides aimed at reducing vandalism and other forms of criminal damage in 80 local areas in England and Wales were launched in March by the Home Office, in partnership with Government Offices and environmental campaigns charity ENCAMS.
Criminal damage, such as walls daubed with graffiti or smashed-up bus shelters, are key drivers of anti-social behaviour, causing communities to feel afraid and costing the country over £2 billion every year in clean-up and other associated costs, the authorities say.
The free scheme will see Crime Disorder and Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) work together to identify the extent and scale of the problem in the local area and draw-up comprehensive action plans to tackle them, according to the Home Office. After three months, the CDRPs and partners will come together to assess whether the crack-down has worked and what more needs to be done.
