Dubbo Mayor Ben Shields is encouraging residents to be vigilant and report vandalism.
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Residents have been left furious after finding blue spray paint splattering roads and poles on their suburban streets in graffiti style, near their homes and vehicles on Monday.
Cr Shields said Dubbo has a policy which leads to a reward of $2,500 to those who can identify the vandals that leads to a conviction.
"It costs the community well over hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in vandalism," Cr Shields said.
"It's terribly annoying, and it costs taxpayers a lot of money.
"That's money we could be spending on other things like repairing facilities."
Under the Graffiti Control Act 2008 (NSW), graffiti-related offences include the marking of premises or property, possession of graffiti implements such as spray paint and marker pens, and posting bills.
The act states the penalty for the marking of property can attract a fine of up to $440, or, for an aggravated offence, $2,200 or 12 months imprisonment (Section 4).
Possessing a graffiti implement with intent can attract a fine up to $1,100 or six months imprisonment (Section 5).
Persons under 18 years carrying spray paint cans in public can attract a fine of up to $440 or six months imprisonment (Section 8B), and posting a bill can attract a fine of up to $440 (section 6).
A court may also impose a community service order, instead of a fine, for damaging or defacing property, or for possession of a graffiti implement, directing the offender to perform community service work that involves graffiti clean up work where practicable.
Also, a court may instead of imposing a fine on a person make a driver licence order, extending a learner or provisional driver licence period, or specify demerit points for holders of an unrestricted driver licence.
According to the Dubbo Regional Council vandalism throughout 2018 at Dubbo's Victoria Park alone, cost them a whopping $22,000.
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Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
