The twist was that the painters were actually self-confessed culprits, according to police.
Police Inspector Robert Simmons said the move is a part of an initiative that started back in December.
He classified it as an alternative form of punishment for the young offenders, in an effort to give them a chance at avoiding a blemish on their police records.
“We are trying our best from an urban renewal point of view, to save these young men because what happens is thatﾅwhen we help them find jobs, and when they are asked for police record, when there is a conviction most of the time an employer would pass them over and say next,” Inspector Simmons said.
“So what we are doing is giving these young men an opportunity where they can pay for their crimes. Now if they become repeat offenders we will have to take another road,” he added.
Graffiti has caused some neighbourhoods to bear a heavy financial burden over the years.
The offenders who were made to pay for their crimes yesterday were juveniles and adults between the ages of 15 to 23. And in some cases, the minors were said to colluding with older individuals, police said.
After the young men allegedly confessed to their crimes, their parents gave permission for them to be awakened early Monday morning and begin the day of painting over graffiti on nine buildings that included the Super Value Food Store on Blue Hill Road, the Coconut Grove Clinic and the former Heastieﾒs Building Supply warehouse on Robinson Road.
As the young men were busy painting, district constables supervised them to ensure that the work was properly completed.
“The response from the business community in this effort was excellent,” Inspector Simmons said. “They took a delight in partnering with the Urban Renewal Project by supplying the paint. We just provided the man power.”
Police officials have plans to duplicate the effort in other neighbourhoods on the island, with focus already being placed on the Carmichael area.
Inspector Simmons pointed out that most of the graffiti painting takes place in the early hours of the morning. He implored parents to be aware of their childrenﾒs whereabouts.
“Parents please know where your children are after hours. This is when most graffiti is being done,” Inspector Simmons said.
“Check your children to see if they are home because it is a crime and they can be put before the court, and in some cases they may get hurt committing an offense.”
By: Stephen Gay, The Bahama Journal
