By MELISSA MEEHAN
POLICE are investigating a number of graffiti attacks in Cockatoo.
Buildings in the town, including the men’s shed, community complex and childcare centre, have been targeted more than once.
Leading Senior Constable Andrew McCreedy said police were hoping for assistance from the community in catching those responsible.
Cardinia Shire Council will start a shire-wide graffiti clean-up this week.
The annual project shows the council’s commitment to reducing graffiti.
A recent graffiti audit found 3500 square metres of graffiti on council assets, private property, business and organisations around the shire.
Most graffiti was located in Pakenham and the growth corridor along the railway line, although some smaller townships also have graffiti vandalism.
The clean-up will start this week and continue through June and July.
All affected property owners and businesses have been notified of the one-off graffiti removal.
The audit and clean-up is expected to cost approximately $100,000 and will be funded by the council.
Central Ward councillor and Cardinia Shire Graffiti Reference Group chairwoman Jodie Owen said the council was taking a tough stand on graffiti.
“We are actively targeting graffiti vandalism around the shire and we are making progress, with more programs on the way.
“We need to deal with the problem of graffiti vandalism before it becomes worse,” she said.
“We are committed to prosecuting those who tag but we can’t do it alone.
“The community also need to take a proactive role in reporting graffiti to police and removing graffiti from their own property using the council’s free removal kits.”
Councillor Kate Lempriere said that both the council and police were working to stop graffiti in Cockatoo.
She said earlier this year police apprehended suspected graffiti taggers in Cockatoo, but there was still work to be done.
“The taggers have been linked to a spate of graffiti crime in the Cockatoo area,” she said.
“It is hoped that the evidence provided by the new covert cameras will enable council to seek restitution for the damage done and will enhance and drive community safety in all areas.”
The council is working with Victoria Police, the Victorian Government’s Department of Justice and the local community to remove graffiti from the shire.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
