Since March a police taskforce targeting graffiti offences has been operating in the Launceston area.  It consists of two full-time members supported by another eight officers from the Public Order Response Team.

On the evening of Wednesday 28 March 2012, taskforce members located two youths, aged 16 and 17, in possession of graffiti equipment in the Kings Meadows shopping precinct.  Subsequent investigations have revealed that the pair had marked various tags that night and were part of a larger group who have been responsible for a large amount of graffiti across several Launceston suburbs over recent months.

The youths will be charged and proceeded against under the Youth Justice Act 1997 for multiple counts of Mark Graffiti and Possess Graffiti Equipment relating to over 40 locations.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten has congratulated Tasmania Police on its efforts to stamp out graffiti vandalism in Launceston.  

“The Council continues to have an excellent working relationship with Tasmania Police and is constantly looking at new ways to tackle the issue of graffiti on our walls and streets,” said Mayor van Zetten.

"The Launceston City Council is proud of its partnership with Tasmania Police, and we are working closely together on a new initiative."

"The Council has recently lodged a submission with the Federal Government to secure new funding for graffiti prevention and removal programs in Launceston.

"This program would see an extensive community awareness campaign, the introduction of mobile CCTV hot-spots, diversionary programs for youth who show artistic talent, and other measures," said Mayor van Zetten.

“Whilst CCTV cameras are a useful tool, it is important to remember that cameras are just one of many strategies that police and the council continue to employ and review in the Northern District,” said Senior Constable Stuart Greenwood.  

Other opportunities including enhanced intelligence gathering, tag matching, and plain and high visibility patrols will all be examined to hinder and detect offenders who mindlessly vandalise our city.

This taskforce will continue in an effort to lay further graffiti charges.

Police are seeking information from the public which identifies the offenders responsible for marking certain 'tags' and other graffiti.

Those witnessing such offences being committed should report it to police on 131 444.  Otherwise information can be given to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be entitled to a reward of up to $2,000.

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