A man has been issued with a Community Resolution after admitting causing criminal damage to a car park in Borehamwood.

On Saturday 12 April, officers were carrying out Operation Hotspot patrols around Shenley Road when they were directed to a stairwell within The Point car park, where fresh graffiti appeared to have been sprayed.

Officers spotted a 19-year-old man nearby, who made off on foot.

They gave chase, utilising a bicycle from a member of the public, and the man was stopped on Theobald Street. He was found in possession of spray paints, paint pens and stickers depicting the same graffiti tag which had been found in the stairwell.

The man was invited in for a voluntary police interview where he admitted causing the damage.

Following agreement from Hertsmere Borough Council, who own the car park, he was issued with a Community Resolution, directing him to repaint the wall. The work was recently completed.

He was also given an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement, setting out conditions not to have spray paint, or graffiti in a public place.

Hertsmere Neighbourhood Inspector Rachael Robertson said: “Graffiti is an eyesore and comes at a cost to the taxpayer to get it removed, potentially diverting funds away from other community services. It can also negatively impact local neighbourhoods by making public spaces appear unsafe.

“While some people believe it to be an expressive art form, graffiti of this kind constitutes criminal damage, and I hope this serves as a warning to people that we take the issue seriously.

“I am pleased that we have been able to work with the council and the offender to get the damage rectified.”

A Community Resolution is a method of restorative justice and is an alternative way of dealing with less serious crimes and incidents. It can be used for offences such as low-level public order, criminal damage, theft, and minor assaults, where the victim has agreed that they do not want the police to take formal action.