VICTORIA Point has been hit with some of the worst graffiti on record, with businesses, signs and roadways attacked.
Police have called on parents be vigilant about their children’s behaviour after the destruction last weekend.
Council has already spent $72,950 to remove 306 graffiti tags this year, excluding costs to the Main Roads Department, Energex, Telstra, Queensland Rail, businesses and houses. Last year council’s bill reached about $144,000.
Cr Hewlett said graffiti near the roundabout at Cleveland-Redland Bay and Boundary roads was the worst he had seen.
“I have lived in Victoria Point for 27 years and I have never seen it like this,” he said.
Cr Hewlett said he had received vandalism reports almost every second day. They included graffiti and thefts of turf from sports fields.
Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Hebblethwaite said parents should be vigilant.
“They should look out for their children practising graffiti designs, excessive numbers of nikko pens, tag books, spray paint nozzles, spray cans or paint on their children’s hands,” he said.
“Retailers are also reminded that it is an offence to supply spray paint to persons under 18 years of age.”
Acting Sergeant Nick Evans from Cleveland police station’s intelligence division appealed for information on the vandals responsible for the recent graffiti.
He said police had a good record of arresting vandalism offenders. “Bayside police have previously run joint operations such as Operation Hercinia, with Redland City Council and VandalTrak, which resulted in 328 charges being laid,” he said.
“Graffiti and wilful damage continue to be a focus for bayside police and we continue to work with our local partners to detect and prosecute offenders.”
A council spokesperson said graffiti removal could require traffic management, Workplace Health and Safety measures and colour matching paint work.
Anyone with information can contact Acting Sergeant Nick Evans on 3824 9333, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Vandaltrak by visiting vandaltrak.com.au.
