Zucco to seek new approach on graffiti vandalism

“Text a Tag” & “Text a Tagger” APP

Long-time Hobart Alderman and anti graffiti campaigner Marti Zucco is calling on a new approach on the issue of graffiti vandalism to be addressed through mobile technology.

Alderman Zucco presented the General Manager with a Notice of Motion on May 23rd which will be tabled at a committee meeting on June 25th and is seeking Council support for a new approach,

“You can drive the streets and see the damage to property, particularly road signage, from this vandalism. Sadly, graffiti vandalism-related incidents are now becoming a regular item in our newspapers and on television.

“It is time we embarked on a program to stop this vandalism and clean up the mess as soon as possible.”

Ald Zucco said that he is seeking Council to support his initiative and support the report for a “Text a tag” and Text a tagger “program.

Alderman Zucco pointed out that as most people have mobile phone, the initiative is for the general public to take a photo of a tag and text it to a designated council controlled number with an address of where the tag has occurred or if they see a person committing the vandalism to take a photo of that person and also text it to the designated number.

This would be far easier than having to call a number maybe wait on line and physically report tags. The “1800 wipe off” was a good idea but in the age of texting and with mobile phone technology a designated texting number to text the tag is a new approach to take.

The information collected could also assist Tasmania Police to collect information on specific Taggers’ and the areas that these tags appear.

Alderman Zucco further said that he would also like the Council to support developing a “Text a tag” and “Text a tagger” APP this initiative could go a long way in assisting in a statewide or national approach towards reporting this type of Vandalism.

The APP could work simply by taking a photo and with location service assist in where the Tag is and direct the photo to the nearest “Local Authority” within that location without the need to know the details of the local authority number. This information can be then used as a data base and or evidence against offenders.

Over the years I have sought a number of reports including “name and shame” this initiative will allow members of the public use their mobile phone to assist local Government and Police to combat this vandalism it will go a long way in removing “tags” as soon as possible which is an important component in combating this vandalism.

Alderman Zucco also said that legislation needed to reflect that this type of vandalism was unacceptable and those responsible would be dealt with accordingly

Ald Zucco said some of the worst graffiti vandalism are ‘tags’ that were randomly scrolled on to private and public property. He said unapproved ‘graffiti art’ was being painted on private or public property using products that could not be hosed or washed off by natural rain.

“It is time for graffiti vandalism to be treated seriously. Vandalism is a criminal offense and as a criminal offense, it should not be treated lightly or have a ‘slap on the wrist’ approach.

Alderman Zucco said that that punishment should include offenders partake in a vandalism clean up program rather than jus fines”

“Graffiti vandalism is costing millions of dollars damage each year and should be given as much weight as any other criminal offense. It is time we had a uniform approach guided by the appropriate legislation.”

The legislation would make provision for such activities such as the children’s game, hopscotch.

Similar legislation in NSW was criticized because it was feared children who like to play chalk games such as hopscotch, would be penalised. Tasmanian legislation would make provision for:

• Washable footpath chalk-based ground murals not exceeding two square meters. This would allow a children’s game of hopscotch to continue in its current form.
• Clear definitions on what is footpath chalk.
• A chalk-like substance (calcium sulphate), made into sticks used for writing or drawing on a footpath.
• Water washable chalk that is able to be hosed or washed off by natural rain within a period of seven days.

“There is plenty of documentation available to help guide appropriate legislation which would also include provision for education programs in schools.

Ald Zucco said he fully supported organised approved graffiti art.

“However graffiti vandals are creating the problems. We need to send a clear message that their actions will not be tolerated.

“I am seeking Council support for the HCC to work with the Tasmanian Government to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to combat the problem.”

Download notice of motion:

Hobart Alderman and anti graffiti campaigner Marti Zucco