A pilot restitution program that requires graffiti vandals to remove the results of their handiwork has been unveiled for Joondalup and Victoria Park.
Minister for Police, Rob Johnson said the Juvenile Clean-Up Referral Program was part of the State Government’s Tough on Graffiti strategy.
“Graffiti is a scourge on the community and people are fed up with their local area being scarred by mindless vandalism,” Mr Johnson said.
New plan to restore property
“It costs taxpayers about $25 million every year for the Government to clean up and remove graffiti from private and public property.
He said under the program juvenile offenders who were referred to the Department of Corrective Services’ Juvenile Justice Teams would clean up graffiti while being supervised.
“During the program, offenders will be educated on the impact graffiti and their anti-social actions have on the community,” the Minister said.
“The program will also connect the young participants with trade-based professionals, providing them with a range of skills that may lead to future career options.”
The Government also recently announced new penalties for graffiti vandals who now face up to two years in jail or a $24,000 fine.
Mr Johnson said the new laws had made it an offence for retailers to sell graffiti equipment such as spray cans to people under 18 years old, with maximum penalties of $6,000 for a first offence and $12,000 for subsequent offences.
In addition, the State Government’s Graffiti Taskforce has so far provided more than $600,000 to Local Governments and non-profit organisations for graffiti reduction strategies.
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