New tech lays more graffiti charges in two months than in entire year
A record number of criminal charges have been laid in the past two months after Brisbane City Council’s new state-of-the-art technology identified 50 vandals responsible for more than 2500 graffiti tags across Brisbane.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the state-of-the-art cameras and software introduced in June had enabled Council to work with Queensland Police Service (QPS) and nab more vandals in the past two months than in the entire past financial year.
“They’re ugly, they’re unsightly and their creators are getting undone and we’re cracking down on a record number of graffiti tag offenders,” Cr Schrinner said.
“When we rolled out this new technology, we warned graffiti vandals that the writing was on the wall and they would be more likely to get caught.
“With clearer camera footage able to identify people faster, we’ve done exactly that and between 1 July and 31 August, QPS charged 50 individuals with 2503 graffiti-related offences, including several alleged prolific offenders.
“This is a significant increase on the 1911 charges laid against 186 individuals for the entire 2019-20 financial year.
“Among the charges laid is one alleged vandal who is facing more than 600 graffiti-related offences, while another has been charged with over 700 graffiti and criminal offences.
“We have zero tolerance for graffiti vandalism and this latest graffiti offender blitz is proof we are making progress in ensuring Brisbane is a graffiti-free city.”
Cr Schrinner said the increase in charges was a testament to Council’s dedicated Taskforce Against Graffiti (TAG), which worked around-the-clock to hold vandals to account.
“TAG’s highly experienced graffiti removalist teams are out across Brisbane every day cleaning up vandalism as quickly and efficiently as possible,” he said.
“Since July 1, these professional graffiti busters have rapidly removed more than 15,500 tags.
“We know that private property owners and tenants also pay the price for graffiti vandalism, which is why we have free graffiti removal kits available for them. Our dedicated graffiti liaison officers are also there to assist small businesses.”
“The community plays a big part in combatting graffiti and we encourage anyone who sees graffiti, no matter how big or small, to report it.
“Residents who spot graffiti should report it by contacting Council on 3403 8888. If they see it happening, can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.”