Writing on the wall for vandals By Jim Mynard

CASEY Council was last night expected to pursue its battle against graffiti vandalism by agreeing to continue work with other enforcement authorities against the scourge.
The council was to consider a report on the potential to institute criminal and civil proceedings against graffiti vandals.
Casey acting manager of community safety Caroline Bell said in the report that Casey had a strong reputation with regard to graffiti vandalism because of its graffiti management plan.
Ms Bell said the council was committed to strengthening this by working in partnership with police and where appropriate assisting police to recover costs of graffiti removal.
If the council pursues its policy in a more assertive way then graffiti vandals could become graffiti cleaners.
Ms Bell said the program had been highly successful through measures such as minimising the sale of aerosol sprays, but it was timely for the council to strengthen the enforcement aspect by supporting police efforts to apprehend and convict graffiti vandals.
“The council can initiate action to ensure that the offenders undertake action to either repay the costs for damage or to undertake a suitable activity that will benefit the community,” she said.
Her report indicated an encouraging response from the State Government in response to a council letter to Premier Steve Bracks.
Ms Bell said the premier had congratulated the City of Casey for its graffiti program and offered strong support.
She said the Government had allocated an extra $1.2 million to continue the war against graffiti.
“The Department of Justice will provide overall coordination of graffiti management,” Ms Bell said.
“Victoria Police has reinvigorated the graffiti task force and has publicised its success in the investigation and charging of several graffiti vandals.
“Community Correctional Services is utilising offenders on community based orders to remove graffiti from public assets.
“The State Government is also considering the creation of a new category of offences relating to graffiti vandalism and the ability of courts to specifically order graffiti offenders to remove graffiti as part of their sentencing.”