29/1/08
The State Government’s tough stance against graffiti vandalism has been supported through the punishment of two graffiti vandals in Rockingham.
Rockingham Magistrates Court today sentenced one graffiti vandal to imprisonment of six months and one day for 26 criminal damage charges, in addition to ordering the payment of $16,900 in restitution. The vandal was also fined $750 for possessing graffiti implements with intent.
A second man was sentenced to an 18-month intensive supervision order on nine criminal damage charges and one count of cannabis possession. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution of $6,600.
Community Safety Minister John Kobelke said the community and State Government spent millions of dollars every year to clean up graffiti and today’s sentences highlighted that Western Australia had the toughest penalties in Australia regarding graffiti vandalism.
“I am pleased to see the courts are applying penalties for graffiti vandalism,” Mr Kobelke said.
“Our legislation, with its tougher penalties, sends a clear message that the Government will not tolerate graffiti vandals,” he said.
The State Government’s Graffiti Vandalism Reduction Strategy was launched last year with a clear tough approach on graffiti vandals. As part of the strategy, Western Australia Police, the Office of Crime Prevention and Government agencies are targeting graffiti hot spots to gather intelligence and prosecute offenders.
The Minister said appropriate sentencing for graffiti needed to be applied quickly and targeted to the behaviour and the individual - a case of the appropriate ‘punishment’ to fit the crime.
Office of Crime Prevention director Wendy Murray said State Graffiti Strategy had only just begun and more results could be expected.
Minister's Office - 9222 9211
