Paul Caputo made to pay for vandalism (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Paul Caputo made to pay for vandalism

12:50pm Tuesday 11th November 2008 in

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A MAN who damaged 28 cars in a vandalism spree must pay back a total of £5,500 to the owners.

Paul Caputo, of Lyndhurst Close, Harpenden, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at a hearing at St Albans Magistrates Court.

The 27-year-old scratched 28 cars parked along Station Road and Lyndhurst Drive on Friday August 15 as he walked home late at night from Harpenden town centre.

Police traced him following appeals run by the media and a leaflet distributed in the area featuring CCTV images, which showed his movements prior to the offences taking place.

Each of the 22 victims will receive £250 in compensation from Caputo, who must also pay costs of £87.

The Magistrates also handed him an eight week sentence, suspended for 12 months, as well as 200 hours community service.

Sergeant Lewis Ducket of the Harpenden Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “This result represents the hard work from the officers of my team who worked tirelessly to trace this man, whose needless behaviour caused much unnecessary inconvenience for many people in Harpenden.

“We treat criminal damage extremely seriously and will work with our partners and residents to combat it and trace those responsible.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the media for all their support in helping to find this man and I am really grateful for their coverage.”