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Here we aim to raise awareness about the harmful effects of graffiti vandalism and provides practical advice to fight against it. 
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STOP Strategy - combating Graffiti Vandalism
Graffiti vandalism is the intentional unlawful defacing of property with writing, markings or graphics. Tagging, a form of graffiti vandalism, is the writing of a stylised signature on a wall or other property and is the most common form of graffiti vandalism in New Zealand.
On 15 February 2008 the former Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark, announced the development of the STOP (Stop Tagging Our Place) strategy, a nationwide approach designed to combat graffiti vandalism in New Zealand. The strategy includes a range of initiatives to address graffiti vandalism.
The strategy was launched on 4 September 2008. The Ministry of Justice's Crime Prevention Unit has produced the following information material for retailers, retail staff, local government agencies and the public. This material explains the aspects of the strategy, and responsibilities under the law for retailers, local government agencies and consumers.
Enforcement at a glance
- The Summary Offences Act 1981 (as amended in 2008) and the Crimes Act 1961 comprise the legal framework for graffiti vandalism enforcement.
- The Government expects the Police and local authorities to be primarily responsible for enforcing graffiti offences, but the law does not specify a particular agency.
- Penalties are at the discretion of decision-makers in the justice system, and often depend on the circumstances of the offence, offender and victim.
- Graffiti enforcement action should not unnecessarily bring children and youth into the formal criminal justice system.
- Community work, where graffiti vandalism offenders can be involved in graffiti eradication, is likely to be appropriate for many offenders.
- Compensation and restitution can be included as part of a restorative justice process to meet victims’ needs.
(PDF966KB) www.justice.govt.nz/cpu/stop-strategy/introduction.html
- Information to local government agencies
(PDF92KB) www.justice.govt.nz/cpu/stop-strategy/introduction.html
- Information to retail shop owners
(PDF279KB) www.justice.govt.nz/cpu/stop-strategy/introduction.html
- Information to retail shop staff
(PDF266KB) www.justice.govt.nz/cpu/stop-strategy/introduction.html |