Easier now to report graffiti

The Town of Cambridge recently introduced a new system as part of Operation Eraser where any graffiti reported to the Town is photographed and reported directly to a WA Police database on a regular basis, which allows police to maintain and track evidence that helps charge graffiti offenders.

Wembley police officer-in-charge Jade Smith said graffiti cost the WA community more than $25 million each year in removal fees but the financial impact was not the only significant, negative implication to the community.

‘Graffiti vandalism can create a false impression that crime is on the increase and reduces community pride amongst residents,’ Senior Sergeant Smith said.

‘Left uncleaned, graffiti sends the message that no-one cares, and often encourages more graffiti around that location.

‘Reporting allows us to build on intelligence to a point we can identify an offender.’

Graffiti removalist Justin Willett, of Graffiti Systems Australia, said he cleaned about 20 tags a day and had identified about five people tagging in the area on a regular basis.

‘Underpasses’