Tauranga retailers hit the mark with spray cans

A joint operation to target the under-age selling of spray cans has achieved some good results, with six out of six local retail outlets targeted refusing to sell spray cans to a minor.

Tauranga Community Constable, Aaron Fraser, says the joint operation between Police and the Tauranga City Council was timed to coincide with the school holidays, which is often when incidents of graffiti increase.

"Graffiti can be a problem for most communities in New Zealand, and unfortunately ours is no different," says Constable Fraser.

"Spray paint is the main tool used to cause vandalism in New Zealand, so one of the most effective means to reduce the potential is to ensure that young people aren't able to buy spray cans in the first place.

"The sale of spray cans to those under the age of 18 is an offence under the Summary Offences Act, with the onus on the seller to check the purchaser is 18 years or older."

Other elements of the legislation include having spray cans located in a locked display cabinet and visible signage informing customers of the over-18 years minimum age requirement.

Constable Fraser says most retailers comply with the legislation and are committed to playing their role in helping keep their local communities graffiti-free.

"Unfortunately there are those who are not quite so vigilant, so this joint operation has been aimed at checking some of our local retailers and reinforcing the importance of staying vigilant.

"Obviously we're really happy with the results. All of the retailers involved asked our volunteer for his age and refused to sell to him because he was underage. This is a great start. The more difficult we make it for young people to get their hands on spray paint, the risk of graffiti in our communities reduces."

Tauranga City Council’s graffiti prevention officer Jane Denton agrees.

“It was great to see that the message has been taken on board by our retailers," says Ms Denton.

“Retailers play a huge part in the fight against graffiti, and the Council is very pleased with the results of this operation.

Constable Fraser says one retailer was warned because they had some spray cans located outside the locked display cabinet, but he says this was a minor breach.

He says members of the public also have a key role to play in reducing graffiti in their neighbourhoods.

"If people see graffiti happening, please report it immediately by calling 111 or contacting the local Police Station.

"As with any crime, the sooner Police are informed, the better chance we have of catching the offenders and being able to hold them accountable. There are systems in place to hold offenders accountable, regardless of their age, so it's important that we have the information to act."

Constable Fraser says if a property is subject to graffiti, it's important to paint it out as soon as possible, as research shows that the quick removal is the best deterrent against future graffiti.

He says if people notice graffiti in a public place, contact the local district council.