By Tania Martin
disgusted with the recent spate of vandalism. 22143
Picture: Tania Martin.
IN A radical step to combat vandals, hidden ‘spy cameras’ have been installed in Olinda following a graffiti rampage.
Yarra Ranges councillor Noel Cliff last week set-up the hidden cameras in attempt to catch the vandals.
Cr Cliff said people are fed up with vandals and something needed to be done to catch them in the act.
But he has not revealed the secret location of the cameras.
“Hopefully we can get some of these characters on film and then we can prosecute them,” he said.
This follows a barrage of graffiti inflicted on the town in the early hours of Friday, 22 August.
Police say more than $10,000 worth of damage was caused to shops and signs.
Sergeant Phil Goodbun of the Yarra Ranges Tasking Unit said spray paint was used to scrawl ugly markings on numerous buildings, road signs and street furniture.
“Olinda usually escapes such childish behaviour, but on this occasion they left a real mess,” he said.
Cr Cliff has urged shopkeepers to take photographs of the damage before removing it.
He said graffiti kits are also available from the council to help remove the paint.
Cr Cliff said he was disgusted that the council had to continue to clean up after these senseless acts of vandalism.
“We had the place (Olinda) looking good for so long and we worked hard to get it to this stage,” he said.
“Now we have these idiots come along and set us back on our heels.”
Cr Cliff said the council spends more than $200,000 a year on combating graffiti which could be going towards something worth while like building a new playground.
He hopes the spy cameras will go a long way towards catching vandals in the act.
“We are going to put them up and see if we can’t catch these characters,” Cr Cliff said.
Police last week executed a search warrant on an Olinda address where numerous items including spray cans were seized.
But charges are yet to be laid.
Police are continuing investigations and calling for witnesses to come forward by calling 9751 1241.
