Police, Residents Partner To Help Deter Graffiti

Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, along with support from residents, recently began efforts to beautify communities around Tortola, firstly by ridding the walls of graffiti.

The initiative derived from a study highlighted by Commissioner of Police Micheal Matthews, which states that clean and graffiti-free recreational areas contributes to the reduction of anti-social behaviour.

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Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews helps Neighbourhood Officers, members of the Recreational Trust and community members, paint out graffiti

(PLTM) - Recently, Commissioner Matthews, along with officers and residents, were seen painting over graffiti in various communities, thanks to the support and contributions from the Paint Factory in Port Purcell and the Recreation Trust.

“The broken window’s theory suggests that graffiti, poorly-maintained buildings and recreational facilities tend to generally elicit more criminal and other anti-social behaviour." Matthews stated.

The top cop added, "I would like us to work together with communities to make sure that we do whatever it takes to build crime-free, attractive communities.”

The Commissioner also had the opportunity to meet several persons within the communities, witnessing first-hand the presence and impact of members of the community policing division.

“I am quite happy to hear members of the community speak not only of the relationships built with our neighbourhood officers, but that the partnerships resulted in clean-ups of recreation areas and the removal of graffiti where possible," he related.

"These officers are to help home and business owners cultivate a love and protection for their communities and many persons are already engaged. I hope many more will do the same.”

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