HC Deb 23 June 1988 vol 135 c680W
80. Mr. Favell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further penal measures he contemplates to combat the incidence of graffiti.

Mr. John Patten

We see no need to increase the maximum penalty for criminal damage, which is six months' imprisonment or a £2,000 fine or both on summary conviction, and two years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both on indictment. Those sentenced to community service may be required to do work making good damage to the environment. The proposed national standards for community service orders will encourage the probation service to involve offenders who have committed acts of graffiti vandalism in the removal of graffiti.