Media response - graffiti trends and programs
Published on 16 August 2024
Response to The Advertiser.
Number of graffiti incidents reported each financial year from 2014-24 (if your records do not go back that far, back to the earliest reporting date will do)
We’ve seen a slight decrease in graffiti in recent years. Since 2020, we’ve averaged about 66,000 pieces of graffiti removed each year and in 2024 to date [mid-August] we’re up to 22,000.
Overall cost to council of cleaning graffiti over the past two financial years (FY 22-24)
On average we spend approximately $103,000 on graffiti removal annually. This figure includes graffiti removal materials, and volunteer and contractor costs.
In addition, we would love to speak to councils with dedicated programs to tackle graffiti vandalism. If your team is doing anything differently (volunteer programs, community initiatives, etc) and would like to talk about it for our story, let me know.
Comments attributed to Director City Operations, Kirk Richardson
Our Mobile Volunteer Graffiti Removal Program is our most successful initiative in tackling graffiti in the City of Onkaparinga. The team has been operational since March 2006 and has removed more than 500,000 pieces of graffiti in 18 years – a staggering effort.
The team is currently comprised of 10 volunteers who attend sites daily on a roster basis to remove graffiti. The volunteers are delegated works as requested by our community or proactively attend to areas that are designated by the council’s graffiti officer.
Statistics and feedback from residents suggests graffiti vandalism is becoming less prevalent, and this can be largely attributed to the great work and dedication of the team, which was a worthy recipient of this year’s Premiers Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
ENDS