TASKFORCE AGAINST GRAFFITI RUBBING OUT VANDALS

Police Minister Judy Spence said the $6 million joint Taskforce Against Graffiti was cleaning up Brisbane after a number of key arrests in recent weeks.

Earlier this week police arrested three alleged major serial graffiti offenders charging them with 97 offences. A juvenile was also spoken to by police in relation to 25 offences.

A 20-year-old Enoggera man was issued a Notice to Appear on 55 counts of wilful damage and two counts of drug offences, a 21-year-old Enoggera man was issued a Notice to Appear on five counts of wilful damage and a 23-year-old Bardon man was issued a Notice to Appear on 35 counts of wilful damage.

The three alleged offenders used the ‘tags’ Sofle, Fobier and Oneup.

Ms Spence said: “These people were allegedly responsible for defacing trains, Brisbane City Council property and private property.

“While we are pleased with the progress the Taskforce has made police will not be letting up.

“The Bligh Government and the Brisbane City Council have a zero tolerance approach to graffiti,” Ms Spence said.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the Taskforce was committed to keeping Brisbane free of graffiti.

“The people of Brisbane don’t want this beautiful city spoiled by vandalism. That’s why we implemented this Taskforce,” Cr Newman said.

“Since it began on October 6 last year 26 alleged offenders have been apprehended on 614 charges.

“These alleged offenders are serial offenders. We are making sure they aren’t just charged with one or two offences – offenders are being charged with all the offences they commit.

“This should send a message to the vandals – you will not be tolerated and you will be caught,” Cr Newman said.

Police Minister Judy Spence said police were working tirelessly to detect and arrest graffiti offenders.

“The Taskforce investigators are working closely with local police and the Brisbane City Council to identify distinguishable ‘tags’ or signatures. As we’ve seen this week the investigators are successfully tracking down those responsible,” Ms Spence said.

“The Queensland Police Service utilises a range of intelligence gathering techniques including CCTV cameras, surveillance and internet-based research.

“The Government will not tolerate criminal activity. That’s why we have introduced legislation banning paint sales to minors.

“We have also authorised government and council officers to remove graffiti in public places or graffiti that is readily visible from a public place,” Ms Spence said.

Other Graffiti Taskforce prosecutions include:

·On October 24 a juvenile male was issued with a notice to appear for six counts of wilful damage, allegedly committed on property around the South Brisbane area.

·On October 29 a juvenile male was issued with a notice to appear for eight counts of wilful damage, allegedly on street poles, signs and property around Geebung and Brighton.

·On November 6 a juvenile male was issued with a notice to appear for six counts of wilful damage and one count of trespass for offences allegedly committed in the Sandgate area.

·On November 6 a juvenile male was issued with a notice to appear for 20 counts of wilful damage, allegedly committed against Brisbane City and Pine Rivers Shire Council property.

·In November one juvenile was charged with 281 offences, including 247 wilful damage offences, 16 trespass offences and 18 possession of graffiti instrument charges.

Graffiti vandals can face up to seven years in prison.

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