Graffiti has escalated to a major concern in Shepton Mallet, prompting both the community and police to intensify efforts to eliminate it, following a town council decision to prioritise its eradication.

Under UK policing guidelines, graffiti is categorised as criminal damage. This encompasses any unauthorised marks on property and can also lead to charges of trespassing and anti-social behaviour. The police's stance is unequivocal: modifying property without consent is strictly forbidden.

Recent incidents, such as the graffiti at Shepton Prison, have seen swift resolutions. The culprits were quickly identified by the community, who played a pivotal role by challenging the offenders and alerting the police. The individuals involved were required to clean the graffiti, showcasing effective collaboration between the public and law enforcement.

The Shepton Neighbourhood Policing Team is not only increasing patrols but also liaising with local shopkeepers to discourage the sale of spray paints and markers to young individuals. Furthermore, parents are being advised to monitor any art supplies their children might possess that could potentially be used for graffiti purposes.

A police spokesperson commented on the incident, stating, "This swift action demonstrates the power of community engagement in tackling such issues head-on. By working together, we can maintain the character and cleanliness of our town, deterring future acts of vandalism."

In addition to stepped-up police surveillance, the Shepton Neighbourhood Policing Team is set to visit local shopkeepers. The aim is to remind them that they can voluntarily restrict the sale of graffiti-related items like spray cans and markers to young people. Parents are also being cautioned to keep an eye on their children's possessions, especially any art supplies that could be misused for graffiti.