Graffiti Unit
Graffiti lowers the tone of any area. It is a mean-spirited act done in contempt of the property and
rights of others – outright vandalism and wilful damage to the environment. There is no excuse for it
whatever fringe culture would have one believe. It is a furtive, skulking admission of some sort of
insecurity and extensive research has unequivocably linked it to a breakdown in law and order and a
rise in pretty crime.
Graffiti is not to be confused with mural artwork, executed openly, with skill, with planning and above
all with the prior consent of those whose property it adorns.
Following the example of major cities abroad, the City has introduced the Graffit By-Law. It makes the
application of graffiti a punishable offence with hefty fines to deter those anti-social souls who have
not heeded the publicised warnings. At the same time (also in line with international practice) it makes
it possible, and legal, for true artists, after following the prescribed procedure, to exhibit their skill in
appropriate places.
By-Laws require enforcement, and the City’s Graffiti Unit was launched for just this purpose. They not
only issue penalties to offenders caught or traced, but actively set about removing graffiti wherever it
is found. The removal process provides work for supervised groups of the homeless, most of whom
have become skilled at the process. One noteworthy operation removed kilometres of graffiti from
perimeter walls along the Blue Route within days, long an eyesore and an embarrassment to anyone
using that busy freeway. The removal of graffiti brings a ‘new start” to homeowners and businesses,
restoring their pride in the appearance of their premises. A feature of penalties imposed through the
courts is that, apart from the fine, offenders may be required to remove their handiwork under
supervision