Reward idea to combat vandalism

Reward idea to combat vandalism

As Liskeard prevaricates over whether or not to install Closed Circuit Television in the town centre a district councillor has come up with a new idea to combat vandalism.

Derek Richards of Millbrook has suggested that anyone who informs on vandals should be paid a cash reward of up to £1,000.

He wants to see public participation in catching those who damage council property, and feels that a reward system might help to encourage residents to report acts of vandalism.

Caradon District Council had to pay over £20,000 for repair work last year for damage caused deliberately. Much of this is to such places as public toilets, seats and parks and play areas.

This cost is inevitably passed on to the ratepayers.

Now Mr Richards, who is also a magistrate, wants a sliding scale of rewards for information leading to the successful arrest and prosecution of anyone caught committing acts of vandalism. This could, he thinks, be up to £500 or even £1,000 depending on the amount of damage caused.

He was given full backing by the council's environmental services committee when he brought the subject up.

The council will now contact the Department of the Environment to find out if the move to reward informants is legal.

Mr Richards said he had been overwhelmed by complaints from angry residents in his own area over continuing vandalism.

This has included continual damage to the public toilets in the village which this year have had to be re-plumbed because the plastic water tank was emptied and then set on fire.

Towns all over South East Cornwall are being affected by such attacks on a regular basis.

Liskeard is one of the hardest hit with repeat attacks on council property and privately owned shops and businesses, especially in the town centre.

Shop windows are especially vulnerable and in recent weeks an empty shop had its door set alight.