Police Minister Liza Harvey and Troy Reeve.
Camera IconPolice Minister Liza Harvey and Troy Reeve. Credit: Supplied/Giovanni Torre

New anti-graffiti laws could see jail time for offenders

Giovanni TorreStirling Times

Reported graffiti offences in the City of Stirling was also released, with Scarborough the most targeted suburb.

The new laws, announced by Police Minister Liza Harvey in Inglewood last week, also include mandatory clean-up orders for offenders.

Mrs Harvey said graffiti costs State and local governments $8 million a year in cleaning costs, in addition to the cost to business owners and residents.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Offenders will now be subject to fines of up to $24,000.

“The community told us they want to see punishments that fit the crime,” she said.

Perth was identified as the worst suburb for graffiti vandalism with 75 reported inci-

Mt Lawley recorded 19 incidents, North Perth 10, Inglewood eight, Maylands seven, Mt Hawthorn six, Leeder- ville three, Coolbinia two and Highgate one.

Mt Lawley MP Michael Sutherland told the Stirling Times that derelict buildings opposite Mozart’s Patisserie had been an epicentre for graffiti vandalism in Inglewood.

“There has been a spate of graffiti in the area and locals have said the people living in these derelict buildings are doing it,” he said, pointing out the long-abandoned restaurant next to the TAB on Beaufort Street.

Mozart’s Patisserie manager Suzii She welcomed the new laws.

“It is really annoying; it is like a daily battle,” she said.

“Who wants to see a wall like that?

“Sometimes it is profanity, sometimes foul pictures.

“People don’t understand the effect it has on a business.”