Vic: Jail terms, fines aimed at graffiti vandals

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2008
Vic: Jail terms, fines aimed at graffiti vandals

MELBOURNE, April 17 AAP - Graffiti vandals will face up to two years' jail and thousands
of dollars in fines under new Victorian laws.

The regulations come into force today, also giving more powers to police to catch offenders.

Police Minister Bob Cameron said graffiti vandals charged under the tough new laws
could be imprisoned for up to two years and face a fine of more than $26,000.

"Police will be able to issue an on-the-spot fine of $550 to anyone carrying spray
paint cans on or adjacent to public transport without a lawful excuse or anywhere a person
is trespassing," Mr Cameron said in a statement.

The new laws also give local councils greater powers to remove graffiti from private property.

Graffiti clean-up crews run by Corrections Victoria in partnership with 26 local government
and community organisations will be also expanded.

The new laws have been backed by Victoria Police.

Superintendent Kevin Sheridan said the new police powers would allow officers to tackle
graffiti more effectively.

"The ability to issue on-the-spot fines not only acts as a deterrent, but also sends
a strong message to vandals that they are more likely to be caught than ever before,"

he said.

The offences under the Graffiti Prevention Act include marking property with graffiti
without the owner's permission, which will attract up to two years' jail and a maximum
fine of $26,428.

Possessing a spray paint can can attract a fine of up to $2,753 or a $550 on-the-spot fine.

Previously, there were no specific charges relating to graffiti, and offenders were
charged under laws relating to damaging property.

AAP md/gfr/jl/mn

KEYWORD: GRAFFITI

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