A 10-YEAR-OLD boy who sprayed graffiti on a post office wall was made to scrub it off with half his village watching.

Police tracked down the youngster, who had painted his own initials outside Resolven Post Office, and spoke to him in front of his parents.

He owned up and was able to avoid further action when his parents agreed he should wipe the graffiti away — a job that took him more than an hour.

Officers said they hoped he had learned his lesson.

But they are also appealing for information on a spate of graffiti incidents elsewhere in Resolven.

Sergeant Geraint Jenkins, of the Glynneath neighbourhood police team, said: "Because of information received we were able to track down the boy and spoke to him in the presence of his parents.

"He admitted doing it, so we then went to the post office.

When incidents of damage are reported, it is up to the victim to decide what should be done about it.

"The boy could have ended up with a caution or criminal record, but it was agreed he should wash the graffiti off.

"There was no permanent damage to the wall and the postmaster was more than happy with this course of action.

Wrong

It would have been in no one's interest to pursue a criminal complaint against a 10-year-old boy.

"He has taken responsibility for his actions and knows what he did was wrong.

"A large number of the community witnessed the paint being washed off and they were totally supportive of the action taken."

Police said there had been several incidents of graffiti being sprayed on public property in the Resolven area and asked anyone with information to come forward.

Upset

"It is unsightly and people in the village are getting quite upset about it," added Sergeant Jenkins.

Postmistress Ruth Jones said it took the youngster around an hour to scrub off the sprayed lettering.

"He needed to understand the consequences of his action and I am hoping he has learned his lesson," said Mrs Jones.

Anyone with information about graffiti is asked to call police on the non- emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk