Operation Quadrangle, an operation to address graffiti offences in the Western Australian community, is in its sixth year and commenced Monday, 12 October and concluded on Sunday, 25 October 2020.
The impact of graffiti is that it increases the community’s perceptions of crime, reduces community pride and displaces funds which could be spent elsewhere – with clean-up costs conservatively estimate to exceed $25 million each year.
WA Police Force work in partnership with key stakeholders such as the Public Transport Authority, Local Government Authorities, Department of Education, large asset infrastructure and private business regarding graffiti offending.
The Operation includes both enforcement and prevention streams with a view to reduce graffiti incidents in the medium to long term.
Education sessions are conducted and police engage with children and educate them on graffiti offending and the potential impacts for people who are prosecuted over these offences. Local police work with school groups as school children are a key target group to divert from this type of offending behaviour.
There were over 170 engagements with schools, Local Government Authorities and other Community Stakeholders
The Goodbye Graffiti website (www.goodbyegraffiti.wa.gov.au) contains information on support available for parents who are concerned that their child may be engaging in graffiti offending.
The State Graffiti Taskforce has been working hard to encourage community members and stakeholders to report incidents of graffiti vandalism. During the operation over 115 reports were submitted and over 150 charges preferred.
The public can assist by reporting instances graffiti to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Acting Inspector Clyde PEARSON, State Operations Division states-
Quadrangle VI reaches out to youths before they offend, with a view to diverting them from offending behaviour before it occurs. Put simply this is about prevention rather than cure.
Our message to parents is simple – intervene. Graffiti is a gateway crime, meaning graffiti offenders often graduate to more serious crimes.
