POLICE are joining forces with the region's biggest radio station and a nightclub to promote a campaign to wipe out criminal damage.
Wipeout will run throughout next month, and aims to prevent the kind of damage that most people have seen but many do not consider criminal.
This includes broken windows, graffiti on public transport and telephone boxes, scratched paintwork on cars, dustbins set on fire and stones thrown at buses and trains.
On Wednesday, a Metro Radio event aimed at 13 to 17-year-olds will be held at the Baja Beach Club, in Gateshead, at which free wristbands, lollipops and CD holders, all with the Wipeout logo, will be given out.
Northumbria Police's Assistant Chief Constable, David Warcup, said: "This event will launch Northumbria's latest campaign aimed at stopping criminal damage.
"This crime affects every single person in the force area, and not just the victim.
"Seeing damaged property can raise the fear of crime and have a huge impact on the wellbeing of people living in communities affected by graffiti and broken windows."
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