Chamber Offers $250 to Those Assisting in Vandalism Investigations

The town has fought vandalism along the linear trail in the past and a recent incident which led to several spots of the new section being "tagged" have left businesses and residents seething.

Now the town is fighting back, thanks to a new anti-vandalism program sponsored by the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce and it's members.

The chamber announced the new program Friday, offering a $250 reward to any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible not only for the latest "tagging" but any future incidents on town property.

"We were ready to announce to program even before the June 23 discovery of more graffiti along the trail, specifically at the old train depot in Milldale," said Jim Garstang, past president of the chamber and member of the Board of directors.

Southington Police Sgt. Lowell DePalma said the police department is taking the incidents seriously and will seek prosecution in such cases to the fullest extent of the law.

The vandalism is disrespectful to the community, DePalma said, and is a felony offense as it involves the defacement of public property.

Art Secondo, president of the chamber, said the reward would start at $250 and may increase as individual chamber members offer additional support to the program.

Those giving information are asked to contact police directly and the reward will be given to police, who will then give the reward to the informant once a convcition is obtained, he said. The process will keep all tips anonymous, Second said.

"It's been going on too long and it's time to put it to an end," Secondo said.