RESIDENTS are getting fed up with vandalism around Greater Shepparton. If you take a walk around the CBD, you will find a number of ‘artworks’ on public infrastructure, trees, signs, and more.
Last month Joe Gilberto from Kialla Lakes shared images showing graffiti that occurred overnight in South Shepparton on June 10.
“I drive that way every day and immediately noticed the damage,” he said.
“It’s obvious they want to be seen. When you see one wall painted with some scribbles, you can shrug at it. But to go along for kilometres drawing on every surface you can reach, painting cars and businesses, and trashing the entrance to Shepparton is really disappointing.”
“I appreciate that street art can be a form of expression, but this is vandalism,” said Mr Gilberto.
Cheryl*, whose name has been changed for privacy, works in Shepparton CBD five days a week. She says the graffiti highlights a culture of anti-social behavior.
“Every day you see kids loitering around the Mall, riding bikes and scooters on pavements, and of course, more graffiti. Swastikas have been made illegal, and so is graffiti, but I’ve seen Swastikas tagged on the walls in the car park,” she said.
Eyewatch Greater Shepparton received a lot of attention this week after Shepparton Police appealed to the public for any information regarding graffiti that occurred at the Shepparton Skate Park at Victoria Lake Park later in the month on June 20 and June 21.
Graffiti is a criminal offence. Marking publicly visible graffiti, or offensive graffiti, on private property without the owner’s consent is punishable by up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of $43,618.
Possessing graffiti implements with the intention to mark graffiti or possessing a spray paint can without a lawful reason are also punishable crimes that come with fines of up to $4,543.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
