Spence: Police and Brisbane City Council launch joint Graffiti Task Force
Published Sunday, 14 September, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence and Lord Mayor Campbell Newman today launched a joint Graffiti Task Force to crack down on graffiti crime in the Brisbane area.
Ms Spence said: “The Queensland Government is committed to stamping out graffiti that is a scourge on our communities.
“The new Graffiti Task Force will be an effective tool in the fight against this unsightly mess that is tarnishing our streets, parks and public spaces.
“I’m confident that by working together, with a targeted approach and dedicated resources, we can have a significant impact on this vandalism.
“The Bligh Government is providing five police officers for this Task Force, to focus solely on investigating, identifying and arresting graffiti offenders.
“The Queensland Police Service will cover the wages of these officers.
“The police team will be based at police headquarters and will consist of a Detective Sergeant, overseeing an intelligence analyst and three uniform officers.
“These police will be on the job when they’re needed and that will include nights and weekends.
“They will be supported by the Lord Mayor’s commitment to provide $6 million over four years to tackle graffiti.
“The Brisbane City Council funding will provide three council officers for intelligence, research and administrative support, vehicles, any specialist equipment required, and will cover any police overtime.
“Police will review the operations of the Graffiti Task Force annually, but we believe it will produce results and reduce graffiti crime.”
Ms Spence said targeted operations conducted by police have already proved successful.
“For example, in June this year, police in Brisbane West District conducted Operation Vandal which identified and arrested three offenders responsible for committing 855 offences,” Ms Spence said.
“The establishment of a dedicated Task Force means police can build on these excellent results to crack down on graffiti and vandalism in our community.”
Ms Spence said the Queensland Government has already introduced a number of tough measures to tackle graffiti across the state.
“We banned the sale of spray-paint cans to people under the age of 18 and shops need to see proof of age before selling spray paint,” Ms Spence said.
“From July to December 2006 there were 9,202 reported graffiti offences with a clear up rate of 35%.
“After the introduction of the paint sale ban, from July to December 2007 there were 5,546 reported graffiti offences and a clear up rate of 44%.
“Last month Parliament passed laws to allow authorised government and council officers to remove graffiti that is in a public place or readily visible from a public place.
“Vandals who consider their ‘tag’ and scrawlings to be a work of art can expect to see a freshly painted space where their rubbish once appeared.
“This new Task Force is one more example of this Government’s commitment to cleaning up our streets and building a better future for Queensland.
“We will continue to work with different levels of Government and members of the community to ensure the fight against graffiti is effective.”
People in Brisbane who want to report graffiti can contact their local police, who will provide the information to the Graffiti Task Force for investigation.
Media Contact: 3239 6218
September 14, 2008
Ms Spence said: “The Queensland Government is committed to stamping out graffiti that is a scourge on our communities.
“The new Graffiti Task Force will be an effective tool in the fight against this unsightly mess that is tarnishing our streets, parks and public spaces.
“I’m confident that by working together, with a targeted approach and dedicated resources, we can have a significant impact on this vandalism.
“The Bligh Government is providing five police officers for this Task Force, to focus solely on investigating, identifying and arresting graffiti offenders.
“The Queensland Police Service will cover the wages of these officers.
“The police team will be based at police headquarters and will consist of a Detective Sergeant, overseeing an intelligence analyst and three uniform officers.
“These police will be on the job when they’re needed and that will include nights and weekends.
“They will be supported by the Lord Mayor’s commitment to provide $6 million over four years to tackle graffiti.
“The Brisbane City Council funding will provide three council officers for intelligence, research and administrative support, vehicles, any specialist equipment required, and will cover any police overtime.
“Police will review the operations of the Graffiti Task Force annually, but we believe it will produce results and reduce graffiti crime.”
Ms Spence said targeted operations conducted by police have already proved successful.
“For example, in June this year, police in Brisbane West District conducted Operation Vandal which identified and arrested three offenders responsible for committing 855 offences,” Ms Spence said.
“The establishment of a dedicated Task Force means police can build on these excellent results to crack down on graffiti and vandalism in our community.”
Ms Spence said the Queensland Government has already introduced a number of tough measures to tackle graffiti across the state.
“We banned the sale of spray-paint cans to people under the age of 18 and shops need to see proof of age before selling spray paint,” Ms Spence said.
“From July to December 2006 there were 9,202 reported graffiti offences with a clear up rate of 35%.
“After the introduction of the paint sale ban, from July to December 2007 there were 5,546 reported graffiti offences and a clear up rate of 44%.
“Last month Parliament passed laws to allow authorised government and council officers to remove graffiti that is in a public place or readily visible from a public place.
“Vandals who consider their ‘tag’ and scrawlings to be a work of art can expect to see a freshly painted space where their rubbish once appeared.
“This new Task Force is one more example of this Government’s commitment to cleaning up our streets and building a better future for Queensland.
“We will continue to work with different levels of Government and members of the community to ensure the fight against graffiti is effective.”
People in Brisbane who want to report graffiti can contact their local police, who will provide the information to the Graffiti Task Force for investigation.
Media Contact: 3239 6218
September 14, 2008