Successful Start to Tawa 'Dob-in a Tagger' Scheme

Wellington City Council’s new 'dob-in a tagger' scheme in Tawa is off to a successful start. As a result of the scheme Police received tip-offs regarding the identity of a number of alleged local taggers.

Tawa Police say they have now identified two individuals who were allegedly behind the 'DEOIL' tags which have plagued the town over recent months.

The 'dob-in' scheme offers a $100 incentive to residents who help Police identify taggers. The scheme was extended to Tawa by the Council two weeks ago, in response to an increase in graffiti and tagging in the area.

Tawa Community Constable Peter Reeves says he's satisfied with the swift identification of the alleged taggers.

"The extension of the 'dob-in' scheme to Tawa – and media coverage of the issue - has already resulted in our identifying two allegedly prolific taggers. Tawa Police have been keen to speak to those allegedly responsible for the unsightly 'DEOIL' tags for some time.

"We have also received a number of other leads which we are actively pursuing. My message to local taggers is that sooner or later you will be caught and the consequences when you are will be serious."

The Council's CitiOperations Manager, Mike Mendonca, says he is pleased to hear that the alleged taggers had been apprehended by the Police.

"Our 'dob-in' scheme has been successful in other parts of Wellington – more than 20 taggers have been caught already this year. We were hopeful the scheme would be a similar success in Tawa and we're delighted it has already achieved results on the ground."

If you know of someone responsible for tagging in Tawa, contact Tawa Community Constable Peter Reeves in confidence on (04) 232 3160. Constable Reeves says people with information should rest assured their identities will remain anonymous.

If your property has been tagged, take a photo of the tag and come down to the Tawa Police station in the Tawa Community Centre, Cambridge Street, Tawa. If you can, paint over the tag straight away - a tagged wall, if not cleaned up immediately, will attract other taggers.

If you do not have the paint or can not afford it, call Wellington City Council on (04) 499 4444. The Council's graffiti removal squad will paint over the tagging as soon as possible.