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Graffiti free City

Together with other community organisations, including Neighbourhood Watch, the local Police and Transit Police, South Australia's City of Marion has embarked on a campaign to reduce the incidence of unsightly graffiti. Impetus for the program arose from a desire to improve the appearance of the City and to cut the costs associated with graffiti vandalism.

It is estimated that cleaning up graffiti costs the Australian community over $100 million per year. Much of this is borne by Local Government. Marion's program aims to eradicate existing graffiti, identify offenders and discourage further incidents through the following six stage plan.

• The removal of all existing graffiti from sites, such as bus shelters, and identifying offenders through signature 'tags' which offenders often leave on any new material.
• Coating vulnerable surfaces with acrylate film to protect against future damage, and posting of warnings regarding penalties for graffiti on public buildings.
• Weekly inspections of likely graffiti targets, such as recreational grounds, to identify hot spots, and photographing new work to be included in a 'tag' register using a low cost mobile digital camera.
• Removing graffiti within 48 hours to minimise the gratification afforded to perpetrators and send the message that the environment is cared for.
• Identifying and apprehending offenders so that a message is sent that graffiti will not be tolerated. This is assisted by Council's Graffiti Hotline where residents can readily report offences.
• Providing offender and victim mediation. This might take the form of letters to offenders or their parents seeking reimbursement of costs in money or kind. Failure to participate in either option will result in Police involvement and court action.

Since its inception the program has been highly supported in the Marion community. Each month over 40 calls are made to the Hotline and some 50 letters of appreciation and support have been received by Council.

Twelve vandals have been apprehended since the program's inception and over 40 residents have volunteered to help in the graffiti removal program.

For further information contact John Tomaino, telephone (08) 8375 6811.

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