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Darlington Primary students encouraged to help stop graffiti

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

DARLINGTON Primary students have been enlisted by police officers in a new campaign to beat graffiti.

A team from Operation Quadrangle visited the school last week as part of an educational tour encouraging communities to speak out against graffiti in their neighbourhood.

WA Police say graffiti costs more than $25 million a year in clean-up costs, impacts on community crime perceptions and can set young offenders on a path to serious offending.

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The campaign will focus on detection, apprehension and enforcement to boost prevention and community awareness.

Senior Sergeant Michael Dallacosta said the Graffiti Vandalism Act 2016 supported the prosecution of graffiti offences.

“This is a crime that can escalate to encourage those to commit more serious crimes without intervention and is costly to the community as whole,” he said.

“By educating our children early on, it helps them avoid the consequences of engaging in such criminal activity.”

WA Police will work on the campaign against graffiti in partnership with business, public transport, local government and the Department of Education.

Parents concerned about a child doing graffiti are urged to seek support and advice at www.goodbyegraffiti.wa.gov.au.

Anyone with information about graffiti offences can also contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

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