Graffiti Strategy - Update
Introduction
The partnerships new approach has an
overarching aim to eradicate graffiti in the Thanet District. In
order to make a meaningful attempt at breaking the cycle, there
needs to be a broader approach including preventative measures and
diversionary activities as well as strengthening our approach to
enforcement and removal.
Over the past 18 months, steps have been taken
by the Community Safety Unit to reduce graffiti. These steps
include:
- introduction of digital image recording
- encouragement to report graffiti
- implementation of a graffiti database
- joint operations between the council and Kent
Police in enforcing actions on prolific graffiti offenders.
Recent steps being looked into include
- a dedicated reporting line, for recording to be more
effective.
- removal services being brought in house to be more
efficient.
- working with the youth offending service to positively
encourage street art as part of youth inclusion to differentiate it
from graffiti tagging
- raising awareness of the penalties and punishments of graffiti
through a media campaign.
What has been done to date on the four strands of the
strategy.
Enforcement
In January 2008, a successful operation to arrest and prosecute
five prolific taggers. Called Operation Tag, it sent a clear
message that agencies were working effectively in partnership to
not tolerate repeat offenders.
Since January there have been 8 prosecutions
on graffiti taggers.
More does need to be done to replace or repair
some covert cameras that are used in hot spot areas. The Strategy
also proposes possibly purchasing covert cameras to extend the
coverage of surveillance.
A graffiti report line is currently part of an
ASB reporting line, but will soon be dedicated to reporting
graffiti which will then be recorded on a separate database and
link directly to the soon to be in house removal services. This is
expected to be changed by the end of August.
The removal services will be dedicated to
removing new reports of graffiti as quickly as is possible, and the
telephone number to report graffiti will be included in the
awareness campaign, which will be circulating by the end of
November at the latest.
An awareness campaign is being designed to
make this message clear to the public, as well as the consequences
if caught and convicted.
Prevention
The media awareness campaign is also aimed at
preventing people to partake in illegal graffiti. Highlighting the
possible outcomes and emphasis on zero tolerance resulting in a
criminal conviction will hopefully act as a deterrent.
By April 2009 we aim to design and deliver an
education package, working with secondary schools primarily near to
hot spots. This will further raise awareness of the
prosecution of illegal graffiti.
Media campaign leaflets will
be circulated to all secondary schools in the district and
work liasing with the police liaison officer for schools and the
community safety officer working on the youth strategy.
The purchasing of anti-graffiti paint and
covert cameras is also being looked into to be used in hotspot
areas. It is also important that other departments from the
council, housing and residents work together to maintain the
general upkeep of an area frequently targeted, to reduce fear of
crime and promote respect and ownership.
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