The Goulburn Mulwaree Council has spent just over $13,000 to repair vandalism between November 2016 and January 2017.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Graffiti ($6,650), hitting down signs ($800) and broken taps and toilets ($550) were the three highest costs.
This also included broken sinks, glass and damaged signs. Between February 2016 and January 2017 repairs climbed to around $59,000.
A spokesperson for the Goulburn Mulwaree Council said vandalism is an issue all local government organisations must deal with.
“Council works closely with local police to discourage and reduce vandalism,” the spokesperson said.
“Graffiti costs fluctuate throughout the year for no particular reason, and average just under $5000 a month. The community does have a role to play and are encouraged to report any information they have to police.”
Detective Inspector Matt Woods said Goulburn Police liaise with the council to identify offenders.
“As part of the Collection Plan, we photograph graffiti tags,” Inspector Woods said. “It’s an eyesore for people and visitors, a poor image.”
He said council worked on removing the graffiti as quickly as possible.
“It’s a serious criminal offence. The police and judicial system take a dim light to it.” he said.
“We’re making people aware of the impact of their actions, when there are damages to a sink or toilet – you damage the whole community. It becomes a community issue.”
He encouraged residents to call Goulburn Poice on 4824 0799 to report incidents of vandalism.
Complete the poll below