Graffiti

GRAFFITI VANDALISM (TAGGING)

Graffiti vandalism is the act of a person damaging or defacing any building, structure, road, tree, property or other thing by writing, drawing, painting, spraying or etching on it, or otherwise marking it, without lawful authority and without the consent of the occupier or owner.

Summary Offences Act 1981

Don’t put up with it

Graffiti vandalism is a community issue that requires a strong community response. Left alone, one tag is likely to attract more tags. It’s important to deal with any damage as soon as possible, to show graffiti vandals that you won’t allow them to deface your property. Getting rid of tags quickly shows them that the area is being watched, and that there’s a real risk they will be caught.

Tell the police

Report graffiti vandalism. The police want to know. Tagging is a crime and can be prosecuted, and the police take it seriously. You can help by photographing any tag before removing it: tags are like signatures, and can identify offenders. Call 111 if you see tagging in progress. Call your local station if you have any information about taggers.

Taupo 378 6060
Turangi 386 7709
Mangakino 882 9070

Remove the damage

Most tags are created with oil-based spray paints or felt-tip pens. How you deal with the damage depends on the type of surface that has been tagged. Talk to your paint supplier before you begin, and start by testing a small area of the surface.

First things to try:
  A detergent like dishwashing liquid
  A solvent such as paint thinner or methylated spirits
  Painting over the tag with dark-coloured paint.

Some damage may require sandblasting or pressure washing.

Protect the surface

You can deter taggers by making it as difficult as possible for them to damage your property.

Don’t present them with easy access to a tempting blank canvas.
Grow large plants in front of fences and walls, or plant climbers to cover them
Use rough cast materials
Paint surfaces dark colours
Improve lighting close to any structure that might be a target
Talk to your local paint distributor for professional advice about anti-graffiti products

Look for the signs

Most graffiti vandals are children and young people. They often progress to other types of offending. If you are a parent, watch for signs that your child may be tagging. You might find paints, aerosols and marker pens in their bedroom, or hidden somewhere else around the home. If you are a retailer, be aware of young people repeatedly purchasing items that could be used for graffiti.

You’re not alone

Constant tagging of your property is distressing, and can be expensive. The police, Taupo District Council, Neighbourhood Support groups and property owners need to tackle this problem together. We can minimise graffiti vandalism through individual commitment and a community response.