Register now for the Great Graffiti cover up

Volunteers will be out with their paint cans and brushes at the end of June for the Great Graffiti Cover up. Recent graffiti attacks in Kaiti have highlighted the need for residents and building owners to get rid of the tags as soon as possible after they appear.

Those who have been tagged can register to get the tags painted out on Sunday 27 June. Registering a tagged property with the Gisborne District Council will enable volunteers to cover the tags with grey paint. The paint is supplied free of charge from Resene who collect unused paint and recycle it for this purpose. If residents do not want grey paint used they are welcome to supply their preferred colour. Residents must register as permission is required before volunteers can go onto a private property to paint.

The Gisborne Volunteer Centre is coordinating volunteers to paint. Anyone who is keen to help out is asked to contact Jenny Greaves on 868 4522. If wet the alternative date is Sunday 4 July.

Graffiti vandalism or tagging is an ongoing problem in Gisborne that is best attacked community wide said Mayor Meng Foon. He is very keen to get rid of all tagging from our place. “Taggers get away with graffiti because people are reluctant to get involved.  The key is to report it and remove it. If you see someone tagging call the police as soon as possible. Try to get as many facts including a description of the tagger and the colours or words used in the tag. If possible take a photo.”

“Tagging left intact attracts more tagging so it is important to paint it out as soon as possible. If you have a solid painted fence keep any unused fence paint to do this. Unpainted walls or fences can be cleaned by sanding or waterblasting. Tags are best removed when they are fresh. Methylated spirits, turps, paint-stripper, dish washing liquid, branded graffiti removal products or oven cleaner can work,” he added.

Council is committed to painting out any graffiti on its property as soon as it is reported. Residents are asked to report any tagging on bus shelters, litterbins, parking meters, street furniture, public toilets, road signs, street lights, traffic barriers, bridges, council buildings, monuments or statues by completing an eFix form on Councils website www.gdc.govt.nz  or contacting Customer Services.

A ‘How to Stop Graffiti Guide’ produced by the Crime Prevention Unit of the Ministry of Justice is also available from the council’s website. It suggests that to avoid tagging on your property you should use transparent fencing or railings rather than high solid fences that provide an attractive canvas for taggers. If you must have a solid surface, rough and textured surfaces are less attractive to taggers.  Enamel panels, glazed ceramic tiles and plastic laminates make for easier cleaning. 

If you already have a solid fence or wall plant a hedge or shrubs in front of it - preferably one with prickles or thorns. When you are painting a wall or fence use dark colours – green or brown and use a graffiti protection product.  Increasing visibility at night will also deter taggers.  Lights with a motion sensor are a popular choice as they only activate when a person approaches. Remove rubbish bins and other props that could be used to gain access to upper floors and roofs.