By DANIELLE GALVIN
OFFENSIVE tagging and unsightly graffiti across Pakenham is being targeted in a new graffiti removal program.
Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O’Donohue presented a specialist graffiti removal system to members of the Cardinia Neighbourhood Watch.
He said it was a “real challenge” in Cardinia Shire and that the relevant groups had to work together to deter, stop and remove graffiti from the community.
“It is a crime that has a detrimental impact on the community,” he said.
“Portable graffiti removal systems are valuable assets in the ongoing fight against graffiti as they help community members remove graffiti as quickly as possible, after it appears.”
The graffiti removal system consists of a 120-litre wheelie bin, a high-pressure water system, graffiti removal products and personal protective equipment.
Mr O’Donohue said he believed it was “very important” that those who took part in the vandalism repaid their debt to the community through the clean-up program.
He said it was great to see the revamped, reinvigorated Neighbourhood Watch group back up and running.
Chair of the group Phil Taylor was appreciative of the State Government, council and police including Inspector Robert Wallace.
“We are doing more initiatives with the council and looking forward to getting down to the ground work and working our way up,” he said.
At a demonstration at the Pakenham Plaza on Friday, Neighbourhood Watch CEO Gillian Metz said they were often very well-connected in the community in driving new programs, particularly related to issues like graffiti.
Bev Langlands from the Pakenham Scout Group said the Scouts were happy to help out as part of the Clean Up Australia Day efforts.
Councillor Jodie Owen said the council would be working with the members of the Neighbourhood Watch for a ‘Clean Up Graffiti Day’ in the shire.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin said both the Neighbourhood Watch and other community members would be able to use the systems to help rid the streets of unsightly graffiti.
>>>>>>Side bar
