War on graffiti

RESIDENTS in the City of Casey are encouraged to remain vigilant to help win the war against graffiti.
City of Casey acting mayor Shar Balmes said there had been a 30 per cent reduction of graffiti sighted and removed in Casey over the past three months, but said people should continue to use Casey’s Graffiti Hotline and notify the council of any graffiti issues.
The City of Casey launched its zero-tolerance Graffiti Management program in 2002 and it has served as a model program for other levels of government.
The program is a collaboration between the council, police, residents and the council contractors to ensure graffiti is removed from properties and council assets within 24 hours of receiving the property owner’s permission.
Offensive graffiti is removed within four hours.
Photographs of graffiti are taken before being removed by the council contractors and the images are logged into a database to assist police in the apprehension of graffiti vandals.
City of Casey manager Community Safety Caroline Bell said an education program aimed at Year 5 to 8 students in Casey was successful, with 95 per cent of students reporting they now have a better understanding of the costs and consequences with graffiti. For more information about the Graffiti Management program, go to www.casey.vic.gov.au/graffiti or to report graffiti in your community call the City of Casey Graffiti Hotline on 1800 VANDAL (1800 826 325).
The City of Casey Graffiti Hotline is a free call service available 24 hours a day seven days a week.