A JOINT initiative between a housing association and police will reward people who come forward with names of individuals responsible for graffiti in an area of Maidstone.

Police and bosses of the Hyde Housing Association are behind the initiative operating in the Wyatt Street area of the county town.

Names would passed to the housing association would inturned be passed on to the police for investigation. For each successful conviction, the person who supplied the name would receive a the relevant names. They will then be passed onto the police for investigation. For each successful conviction, the person who supplied the name will be given £50 by Hyde Housing Association, as a reward.

Nicola Haig, a spokeswoman from Hyde Housing Association said: “We are delighted to be piloting this campaign with the police as we recognise the negative effect these mindless acts of vandalism has on both the environment and communities.

"This initiative demonstrates our zero-tolerance towards anti-social behaviour and supports the steps Wyatt Street residents are already taking to improve their estate, having recently worked together setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

"This gives out a clear warning that the eyes of the public will be watching and we are sure will produce some excellent results.”

Town Centre Sergeant Richard Wingett said:

“Graffiti does affect people’s quality of life by making the areas they live in look run down and uncared for. It is unsightly and unnecessary and it’s vitally important that those individuals responsible for the graffiti in the Wyatt Street area understand how seriously the offence of criminal damage is taken.

"This initiative will, hopefully, encourage people to come forward and tell us who is causing the problems so we can take action.”

Anyone with information about graffiti in the area can also contact Maidstone and Malling Police on 01622 608189.