GRAFFITI

[Mary]

Now you have the power
Penrith Press 18 Jan 07

PLAGUED by graffiti? Who you gonna call?


Penrith Council on its new hotline number: 1800 022 182. ``The hotline is part of council's Graffiti Minimisation Strategy,'' Penrith Mayor Pat Sheehy said.

``Council now has a program in place for the removal of graffiti from private property that can be accessed from public space.

``Previously council could remove graffiti only from its own property.''

Penrith's rates were raised in July to pay for extra graffiti removal and CBD cleaning.

``Council engaged a number of contractors who started in November,'' Cr Sheehy said.

``This freecall message system will allow you to leave a message outlining the location of the graffiti, and council will schedule its removal.

``People leaving a message are encouraged to mention the street address and nearest cross road, if known, and to advise the type of property that the graffiti is on, for example, fencing, signage, play equipment or building walls.

``This initiative complements a number of other council strategies to rid the city of large amounts of graffiti.

``Reports of graffiti on private property not accessible from the public space that council cannot remove will be reported to the property owner.

``Council staff are also negotiating with other government authorities concerning the removal of graffiti from their infrastructure.''

Additionally, a $410,000 a year CBD cleaning contract started on January 15.

The aim of the contract is to bring shopping-mall cleaning standards to the central parts of the Penrith and St Marys CBDs. Central Coast company ACS Cleaning and Security Services will carry out the work.


http://www.gpag.info/documents/graffititips.pdf



Graffiti Free Zone

Business & Community Partnership

This graffiti information package contains a variety of materials to assist residents and the business community in the prompt removal of graffiti from their properties.

Penrith Council is constantly seeking new initiatives in the management of illegal graffiti and this includes the establishment of partnerships throughout the city. Other measures include the introduction of control measures that will assist in designing out crime and vandalism.

Penrith City Council’s adoption of a "Zero Tolerance" approach to graffiti on all Council buildings has resulted in a significant reduction of incidents of graffiti attacks over the past two years.

Graffiti can have a negative effect on our community landscape, can make people feel fearful in their own neighbourhood and may impact negatively on the value of community space and property.

Graffiti is evident throughout Australia regardless of the social, economic or cultural status of the community. Graffiti is vandalism, and just like replacing a broken window, removing graffiti is part of the maintenance of our properties.

Penrith Council acknowledges that many people across our City are actively assisting in the removal of graffiti in their neighbourhood. One of the most effective strategies against illegal graffiti is to remove it and continue to remove it.

This strategy improves the appearance of the neighbourhood and gives a strong indication that the area is cared for and well maintained. Prompt removal deprives illegal graffitists of the satisfaction of peer recognition.

Council encourages you to become a partner in the rapid removal of graffiti from your property and hopes that this information will assist your efforts. Together we can make a difference and send out a clear message across our city that Penrith is a "Graffiti Free Zone".

Community Safety Initiative

A safer community means a better quality of life for all of us. Community Safety is about recognising the need for people to work together to create a safe environment for people to live and work.

Council encourages community participation in working together to stamp out graffiti whenever and wherever we see it in our neighbourhoods.

We must not allow the integrity of our community to be affected due to the actions of a few.

What is Graffiti?

Graffiti is a drawing or words written on walls or other surfaces, usually to be seen by the public.

Is Graffiti a Crime?

Unless permission has been given by the owner of either public or private property, all graffiti is a criminal offence.

What Does Graffiti Cost?

Illegal graffiti is included in the cost of juvenile crime, which in NSW is in excess of $250M annually.

Who Pays?

Property and environmental damage has been estimated to be the second largest crime cost category in Australia.

Much of this cost is borne by the victims of the crime, both public and private, and to a lesser extent the insurance companies.

Reporting Graffiti

Graffiti is reported to the NSW Police as malicious damage or vandalism. To assist in targeting hotspots across the Penrith Local Government Area, Council recommends that all graffiti attacks are reported to the Police Assistance Line 131 444.

What can be done to reduce the incidence of graffiti?

Penrith City Council adopts a "zero tolerance" approach to graffiti on all Council buildings. Council is constantly seeking new ways to reduce the incidence of graffiti across Penrith. This includes seeking partnerships with the community and the business sector to promote and support rapid removal techniques. Council also seeks to minimise graffiti by urging changes to the environment that reduce the opportunities for graffiti.

Why remove graffiti quickly?

Research shows that rapid removal lengthens the time between graffiti attacks. Experience indicates that where graffiti is left for some period, repeat attacks will invariably follow. Prompt removal deprives illegal graffiti artists of then satisfaction of peer recognition.

Environmental Care

Please ensure that all care is taken to prevent cleaning and graffiti removal products entering the stormwater drainage systems.

Tips for stopping graffiti repeat attacks

Rapid removal
Use shrubbery to make the site less accessible
Keep the area clean and well maintained indicating that someone regularly cares for the area.
Avoid large surfaces that create a "canvas" for graffiti attacks
Install a sensor light.
Note: If you wish to engage a Graffiti Removal Contractor, please refer to the Yellow Pages. For graffiti removal products, refer to the Yellow Pages.

Remember to strictly adhere to all manufacturer's guidelines for use of products.

Protective Clothing
When removing graffiti, it is strongly recommended that protective clothing and safety gear is worn, including elbow length gloves and safety glasses.

Removing Graffiti from Colourbond Fences
Care should be taken when using any chemicals on colourbond fences as the original surface may be damaged. It is recommended that fencing is repainted with paint including recommended by retail outlets.

Important Note:
When using any chemicals, please ensure that the product guidelines and instructions are strictly followed.


Tips for Graffiti Removal

http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/GraffitiRemoval(1).pdf

Public Authorities

To report graffiti attacks on the following Public Authority's property,
please phone the numbers listed below:

Telstra
1800 622 203

RTA
1800 816 770

Intergral Energy
131 081

Australia Post
9202 6108

Rail (all property)
131 500


_________________
Mary Cook
GPAG Director
Volunteering my services on goodwill towards GPAG through Elvira's Home Office www.homeoffice.piczo.com

The pivot of perfection is charity: he who lives in charity lives in God, because God is charity, as the Apostle says.

[flanders5689]

I agree that graffiti is a terrible blight on our local community. An idea I've been toying around with for some time is to organise "Community Graffiti Cleaning Teams".

Sure, notify the Council. Fast removal will discourage the children who commit these crimes. (And the Council deserves credit for the splendid work it is doing in this regard.)

We have Clean Up Australia Day, right? Well my idea is this: Organise approximately 8 volunteers in each area of Glenmore Park. Maybe just 1 or 2 sq. kms. per area. Then, say once a month, on a rotating basis, teams of two could walk around their local area and remove any graffiti they find on public property (on light poles, electricity boxes, signs, etc).

Of course, care would need to be taken not to damage a structure in removing the graffiti. Maybe some "graffiti removal training" would be needed first. Permission by relevant authorities may also be required.

I see this as an augmentation to the Council's initiatives.

I would be willing to give up one Sunday morning once a month or so to help out. I would feel satisfied knowing that I am serving my local community.

Sure, there are probably insurance and other issues which would need to be "nutted out" first, but I think the idea is viable.

If we could get the Council on board, then maybe they could provide the cleaning agents, gloves, etc. Plus, it would save rate payers money.

I am keen to receive your feedback on this idea.

[Bernie]

This idea has some merit but we will need to run it past council first as we don't want to clash with their program for graffiti removal. Remember our recent rate rise was to a large extent based on the cost of graffiti removal. I will get in touch with council and see how we can work in together. Assuming of course we can get enough volunteers.
_________________
Regards
Bernie

[Mary]

I took my girls to Blue Hills Park last week and was shocked with the amount of graffiti and damage on the swings etc.

As soon as I returned home I emailed council photos and of course some details that I expressed in my email for it to be rectified.

If you happen to live opposite the park please call the council if damages are being done to our park, I am not sure how long the park has looked like this as I have not had the opportunity to visit a lot.

PLEASE REPORT IT.

Email me if you do not wish to call the Council and I will do it for you.

I need to know if it happens and I can't be every where...

Today, I received correspondance and this is what PCC said....


Our Ref: LC:wm 1381111
Contact: Lindsay Clarke
Telephone: 4732 7677

10 April 2007

The Director
Glenmore Park Action Group
GLENMORE PARK 2745


Dear Mary

Graffiti in Blue Hills Reserve

I refer to your email dated 7 April 2007 concerning the graffiti on the play equipment in blue Hills Reserve.

Parks staff will endeavour to remove the graffiti on 10 April 2007. If unsuccessful, the equipment will be painted on 11 April 2007 to cover the graffiti.

A number of components of the playground equipment were replaced approximately 1 year ago. The manufacturer supplied these components under a limited warranty arrangement. No further warranty on this equipment will be met by the manufacturer.

Parks staff will carry out work to the equipment to maintain it in a safe condition.

I trust this information is helpful.

Yours faithfully


Raphael Collins
Parks Construction & Maintenance Manager
_________________
Mary Cook
GPAG Director
Volunteering my services on goodwill towards GPAG through Elvira's Home Office www.homeoffice.piczo.com

The pivot of perfection is charity: he who lives in charity lives in God, because God is charity, as the Apostle says.

[Mary]

GRAFFITI TIPS

Penrith City Council have a great website with loads of information, please take the time to peruse it.

Scroll down on the home page to access the Graffiti Hotline Link...

www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

REPORT GRAFFITI ON LINE NOW

http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/index.asp?ekfrm=4397


Below courtesy of PCC....

http://www.gpag.info/documents/FinalGraffitiHotlineBrochure.pdf


http://www.gpag.info/documents/FactGraffitiRemovalTips.pdf


http://www.gpag.info/documents/FactGraffitiRemoval.pdf




_________________
Mary Cook
GPAG Director
Volunteering my services on goodwill towards GPAG through Elvira's Home Office www.homeoffice.piczo.com

The pivot of perfection is charity: he who lives in charity lives in God, because God is charity, as the Apostle says.

[Mary]

From: Glenmore Park Action Group
To: PCC
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 3:45 PM
Destruction in Glenmore Park - APEC long weekend


Greetings to you all,

I have received many emails just counting only today from disgruntled residents and I thought that I would forward you all this one in particular, pics taken in Forest Ridge Park, of which I also witnessed over the weekend.

Over the past few weeks the lack of maintenance in Glenmore Park has been noted. I wondered whether it was because Council workers have taken leave or if there was some other issues within.

1. Graffiti hasn't been cleaned in over 8 days of reporting it and in some cases 21 days therefore Glenmore Park looks to be covered in it. Graffiti damage is a majority of Electrical Posts, Signage, Lifestyle signs, fencing from the Northern road right through to Rotary Park, especially Surveyors Creek road and along the Lakes Drive.

2. Open space maintenance such as garbage and grass cutting has been of a very poor standard or not cut at all. What I mean by this is when the small mowers come along they cut the grass and leave the cuttings all over the footpaths and gutters which is not acceptable as it looks very untidy.

3. The increased malicious damage that has occurred on private and council property of late is disturbing which is a Police Issue and I for one know that Police Officers have been low because of APEC and I hope that the return of Police in our area will stop this horrible damage. Fingers crossed.

4. I note that the work for the new skate park has began which is fantastic news and it came to me to threaten or get the word out if the graffiti and mal damage continues the Skate park will not happen. I know its not realistic, must be the mummy monster talking out loud. Maybe we could all come together to suggest a solution that is realistic and will work.

I would like to continue to work closely with you all as we have achieved a lot especially with the proposed Warna production in relation to the graffiti reduction and with my land care group.

GPAG have a meeting coming up on October 17th 2007 at 7pm and I would like to invite you all to attend and to help me explain to residents that Council and Police are not at fault and that we all need to come together to stop all this behaviour.

I hope to hear from you all soon with an RSVP for the 17.10.2007.

Cheers

Mary Cook
GPAG Director
www.gpag.info
__________________________________________________

Dear Council

Greetings,

I would like to thank you all and all the hard working Council workers, on behalf of the residents of Glenmore Park for responding as quickly as you did to my email.

You couldn't imagine what a remarkable difference you have made, once again.

Blessings on your efforts,

Mary Cook
GPAG Director
www.gpag.info

__________________________________________________

Penrith City Council

Civic Centre, 601 High Street, PENRITH NSW 2750

Telephone: (02) 4732 7777 Fax: (02) 4732 7958

e-mail: pencit@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Our Ref: DB:DT IMS: 1491627

Contact: Mr David Burns

14 September 2007

Mrs Mary Cook
Glenmore Park Action Group
email@gpag.info

Dear Mary

Vandalism in Glenmore Park

I refer to your correspondence and representation on your behalf by Councillor Garry Rumble, concerning the vandalism that occurred in Glenmore Park, Forest Ridge Park, over the APEC long weekend. I would also like to thank you for your email dated 14th September 2007 acknowledging the work carried out by Council workers in response to this vandalism and graffiti.

This has been a particularly busy period for Parks crews due to the number of school sports carnivals that have been taking place. These events require servicing on a daily basis. In addition the long weekend resulted in delays in the clearing of some garbage bins. All services are now back on schedule.

Wherever possible staff are instructed to mow in such a manner to avoid grass cuttings being deposited in gutters and on roads. When this is not possible staff are required to remove the clippings from the gutters. If this is not happening, it would be appreciated if you could arrange for the Parks Department to be advised of the actual location so that the appropriate action can be taken.

Your correspondence also relates to the length of time taken for graffiti removal. As you are aware Council staff and contractors will remove graffiti from private property accessible from the public space and from Council property. Council does not remove graffiti from other government assets eg light posts, electricity padmounts or from the lifestyle signs within Glenmore Park. This graffiti is referred to the appropriate authority or owner for removal.

You would also be aware that there has been an upsurge in graffiti in Glenmore Park, and other areas, over the last few weeks. This combined with staff being on leave, impacted in the removal of graffiti by Council in some instances.

The graffiti hotline (1800 022 182) was established to allow people to call Council free of charge, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The current target turn around period for removal is 5 working days. Hence this turn around period can be affected by public holiday periods. I would request that you urge residents to use this free reporting service for graffiti rather than emails or letters to Council staff, as this also impacts on the turn around time and unnecessarily ties up staff time in replying to all correspondence, sometimes multiple correspondence for the same matter.

The vandalism to the trees and other structures in Forest Ridge Park has been cleared. This matter has also been discussed with the Crime Prevention Officer of Penrith Police.

Yours faithfully


David Burns
Director – City Operations



_________________
Mary Cook
GPAG Director
Volunteering my services on goodwill towards GPAG through Elvira's Home Office www.homeoffice.piczo.com

The pivot of perfection is charity: he who lives in charity lives in God, because God is charity, as the Apostle says.

[Mary]

PENRITH REPORT GRAFFITI it’s a FREE CALL

Did you know that Council staff and contractors will remove graffiti from private property accessible from the public space and from Council property!

You would be aware that there has been an upsurge in graffiti in Glenmore Park, and other areas in the Penrith City, over the last few weeks. It is now illegal to purchase spray cans in NSW if you are under 18 years of age and spray cans, are not accessible to customers as they are now behind counters or in locked cabinets.

The Council graffiti hotline (1800 022 182) was established to allow people to call Council free of charge, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The current target turn around period for removal is usually 5 working days.

I advocate that ALL residents and students to use this free reporting service for graffiti rather than emails or letters to Council staff, as this also impacts on the turn around time and unnecessarily ties up staff time in replying to all correspondence, sometimes multiple correspondences for the same matter. More information can be obtained through Penrith Council or their website, their link is can be accessed through my website.

Lastly, as we educate our children about the wrongs of taking drugs, talking to strangers etc, I urge you to speak with your children and explain that Graffiti is illegal and dangerous; it can cause long term damage such as emphysema and a police record.

REPORT IT DON’T IGNORE IT


_________________
Mary Cook
GPAG Director
Volunteering my services on goodwill towards GPAG through Elvira's Home Office www.homeoffice.piczo.com

The pivot of perfection is charity: he who lives in charity lives in God, because God is charity, as the Apostle says.

[Mary]

Glenmore Park continues to be our busiest suburb for graffiti removal both by Council graffiti removal units and contractors. Residents are encouraged to keep reporting all graffiti to the hotline number 1800 022 182. Council will organise for the removal within our target of five working days. This target time may not be achieved if the graffiti is on assets owned by other government authorities.
_________________
Mary Cook
GPAG Director
Volunteering my services on goodwill towards GPAG through Elvira's Home Office www.homeoffice.piczo.com

The pivot of perfection is charity: he who lives in charity lives in God, because God is charity, as the Apostle says.

[flanders5689]

It is very evident (and disappointing) to me that since we've been paying extra rates for the purpose of graffiti removal the problem of graffiti is in fact getting worse, both in Glenmore Park and Penrith generally.

Does anyone else agree with me?

[Mary]

What can we, as residents do about the graffiti....

WE need to report it, not leave it and think someone else will do it for us!

There was an owner of a Labrador dog (lives near MURU) she did not report the tagging of her dog, she actually called out to the teens that were near her dog to hold the dog so it didn't run away again (as it was missing & the family went looking for it). The teens told her in no uncertain terms NO, she finally got her dog back with fresh went spray paint on the dog. Silly people didn't report it, I wonder why and how people except the graffiti to stop, ESPECIALLY on an animal, this is cruelty to animals not just graffiti!

This apparently happened on boxing day 2007 or there about.

Come on people don't just sit there pick up the phone and call the PAL number and the FREE Council HOT LINE so PCC can clean it up.
_________________
Mary Cook
GPAG Director
Volunteering my services on goodwill towards GPAG through Elvira's Home Office www.homeoffice.piczo.com

The pivot of perfection is charity: he who lives in charity lives in God, because God is charity, as the Apostle says.