New technology tracks graffiti offences

Police have taken action against a man who they alleged was responsible for 35 instances of graffiti in the Brisbane Water Local Area Command, including instances in Killcare and Woy Woy.

Police arrested an 18-year-old man on Sunday, March 17, in the act of committing a malicious damage offence by spraying a graffiti tag on public property.

He was subsequently charged with a malicious damage offence.

Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command commenced an investigation utilising the Vandaltrak system, which subsequently identified a large number of tags police alleged were linked to the same male.

Around 6pm on Friday, March 22, the man attended Gosford Police Station where he was spoken to in relation to the offences.

Due to the fact the man was a juvenile at the time of the offences, he is being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act for 35 offences of malicious damage and one of enter enclosed lands.

The offences ranged from 2010 to 2012.

Brisbane Water Local Area Command Inspector Paul Nicholls said the investigation highlighted the police's potential to track down graffiti offences using new technology.

Media Release, 22 May 2013

NSW Police Media