AN END to a graffiti artist’s damage was spelled by persistent inquiries by a neighbourhood policeman.
The 15-year-old had even taunted the authorities by writing "Catch me, if you can..."
PC Martin Rogers, of the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team, investigated numerous reports of graffiti in the area during October and November.
The youth — who cannot be named for legal reasons — was arrested and charged with criminal damage.
He appeared before the youth court, where he was made the subject of a youth offending referral order for nine months, a six-month parenting order, and told to pay £625 compensation to the Isle of Wight Council and £50 court costs.
The graffiti tag was found in at least 14 locations, including the Royal York Hotel in George Street, a disused garage in East Street, a pedestrian shelter at the canoe lake and public seating in Puckpool Park.
PC Rogers said: "It was clear these acts of criminal damage were linked to the same person. Photographs were analysed with support from staff from Isle of Wight Council’s community safety services, which runs an online graffiti gallery.
"We acted swiftly to solve this crime series as such vandalism is sometimes the first stage of an offender committing more serious offences.
"The sight of graffiti can also raise the fear of crime among residents and visitors.
"The reality is there have been more than 100 fewer crimes in Ryde town centre compared to last year, but it is just as important for people to feel safe and confident about where they live."
Graffiti can be reported on the hotline, 01983 823515, or go online to
www.iwight.com/graffiti