Youths arrested over graffiti spree

10:44am Tuesday 27th February 2007

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FOUR teenagers, aged 15 to 17,have been arrested by neighbourhood policing team officers in connection with more than 30 offences of criminal damage, drug use and graffiti in the Valley Hill area of Loughton.

Police said the arrests were made during the half-term holiday after damage was caused to shops, garages and residential access points with spray paint and marker pens, Cannabis was seized during the police investigation which led to the identification and detection of more than 30 offences.

Neighbourhood policing team sergeant Rob Cox said: "I hope these arrests will make local youths realise that spraying or writing graffiti on other peoples' property is both a criminal offence and something which local police will take seriously and will act to combat."

Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: "Epping Forest District Council's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership has also made site visits to the area and recommended improvements to buildings. We hope they will have an impact on disorderly behaviour in the Valley Hill area."

The arrested youngsters have received official reprimands and warnings.