Community partnership approach to fight graffiti and vandalism

A recent spate of vandalism in the Oamaru Gardens and graffiti at Itchen St, Test St, Banks Park and the walkway leading to and from the skate park and Gardens has lead key community agencies to develop a strategic approach to catch offenders. Waitaki District Council’s Urban Parks Officer, Oamaru Gardens Curator, Police, the Chubb Manager and the Waitaki Community Safety Officer met on Tuesday 15 April to discuss issues and develop solutions.

“This type of vandalism on public property is costing ratepayers over $7,000 and $4,000 for the Gardens this year alone. When commercial and private property is damaged the cost for repair comes out of the individuals pockets,” Community Safety Officer Alison Banks said.

The group identified the community as a key player and is asking for their help. “If any one sees or hears any thing suspicious, please ring the Police. If members of the public witness an offence happening please ring 111. If you can do so safely without endangering yourself, get a description of the offenders and clothes they are wearing, and if possible take a photo,” Sergeant Woodbridge said. “Most importantly those living around the boundaries of the Gardens need to be made aware of what is happening and be extra vigilant.”

“When the offender or offenders are caught - through restorative justice, there is an opportunity for victims to meet with them and the community and for the offender to take steps to repay or repair the damage they have done. It makes offenders accountable for their actions and hopefully it will stop them re-offending,” says Alison Banks.

Jan-Maree Atkinson, Urban Parks Officer at Council has requested that security and surveillance be improved and increased. Police, Chubb and the Waitaki Guardians will regularly patrol through the Oamaru Gardens. Gardens staff will also support the security initiative during the day. Security cameras are also being investigated, but this would be a last resort if all else fails.

Community Clean Up Project Coordinator Dayle Fraser said he had been revisiting sites where his team had removed graffiti regularly. “Taggers have started to leave messages like stop covering our art. I have also noticed an increase in graffiti vandalism over the past few weeks around our community.”

“Tagging brings fear and intimidation into a community but its fast removal helps to build strong communities by restoring a sense of community pride, safety and well-being for residents and businesses. This is the aim of Waitaki District Council and the Community Clean Up project” Alison Banks said.

Project Turn Around Coordinator and Waitaki Guardian Derek Beveridge said “We are relying on members of our community to rally around and support these initiatives by being proactive in preventing and not accepting these types of damage as a norm. Come on Oamaru youth, you know who’s doing this damage, you are members of this community, help stop it.”

Senior Sergeant Kevin Hooper said if members of the public have any information which may lead to identifying those responsible please contact Oamaru Police on (03)433 1400.