Further success for bus anti-graffiti programme

The anti-graffiti programme aimed at preventing damage to buses has also not only been successful in apprehending vandals, but has also made other passengers feel safer on buses.

So far, plain clothes constables have arrested six people for a range of offences on buses and another six young people have been apprehended in the act of etching bus windows and tagging.

Police are also making inquiries to identity several offenders caught on video surveillance etching bus windows.

Police Senior Sergeant Glenn Nalder says the message has been getting out that taggers are being caught and that the police are treating the matter very seriously.

“The video footage we have been given is very good quality and these offenders will be identified and held to account," he says.

An Environment Canterbury staff member has been visiting schools around The Palms area where the campaign is mainly targeted and reports that schools are right behind the project and support its aims.

“In addition, the presence of the police, Maori wardens and Christchurch City Council Safe City Officers has given passengers the sense of regaining control of buses. Where they may have hesitated to sit down the back of the bus, they now have the confidence to do so,’’ he says.

Christchurch City Council Graffiti Projects Co-ordinator Pippa Reid says “We are pleased with the success of the campaign so far, especially as several of the most prolific taggers we have been tracking on our database have been apprehended. We will continue to give information and support to Environment Canterbury and the police during and after the campaign. The positive collaboration by all groups involved has definitely contributed to the success of the campaign.’’

Red Bus Ltd Chief Executive Paul McNoe says “Red Bus is very pleased with the positive change this campaign has achieved in a short time. The rapid police action in laying charges on the identified offenders has seriously reduced graffiti on the buses. The initiative and ongoing support from Environment Canterbury, Maori Wardens and Christchurch City Council is also critical to this early success.”

The public are asked to call 111 and give as many details as possible if they see a person tagging.

Graffiti on a structure e.g. fences, parks or buildings, can be reported to Christchurch City Council giving details of the address so CCC can investigate its removal. If possible, people should take photos and email them to info@ccc.govt.nz for the database. If your property is tagged with graffiti, Christchurch City Council may be able to help, so call 941 8999 or 0800 VANDAL.