Council makes marked progress against graffiti

February 19, 2008

North Shore City Council is making good progress getting on top of graffiti, with a definite down turn in the amount of it across the city.

Since graffiti prevention co-ordinator Bruce Wood started last October there has been a decrease in the amount of tagging and an increase in the number of prosecutions for wilful damage.

“We had about 100 fewer incidents reported to Actionline last month than we did in October last year, and achieved about three times more prosecutions that relate directly to graffiti,” he says.

The key has been recognising that graffiti is a community issue, and getting the support of the community to help solve it, says Mr Wood.

“We’ve worked hard to encourage everyone out there to report tagging early, to gather the support of our trusts, volunteers and contractors who remove it very quickly, and liaised closely with police to ensure there are very real consequences for those who do it.”

While Mr Wood welcomed news last week of the Government’s planned crack down on graffiti, he says council has already got the co-operation of local retailers to stop those under 18 buying spray cans.

“Resene in North Shore City has stopped selling spray cans and other retailers have either put them under lock and key, or close to the counter so they can see who’s buying them and ask them the right questions before the let them buy it,” he says.

The Government’s indication that there would be more funding for local authorities to help right the problem in their area was also a welcome one, with Mr Wood saying that was likely to go to council’s partners to remove graffiti.

Anyone who sees graffiti is encouraged to contact Actionline on 486 8600.

ENDS

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