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Tag Busters

a tagged wall

What is tagging?

Tagging is images or lettering which is scratched, scrawled, painted or any form of marking on property that does not belong to the artist.

Tagging is often regarded by others as unsightly damage or unwanted vandalism.

 Fast facts
  • 95% of tagging is caused by use of a spray can
  • One spray can, can cause over $7000 worth of damage
  • One spray can is good for 500 'hits' (tags)
  • 95% of tagging offenders are under the age of 17
  • Hamilton City Council currently spends approximately $500,000 dollars per year on tagging eradication.

0800 TAG BUSTERS

0800 TAGBUSTERS - Hamilton City Council's tagging hotline has been Live to the public since 1st July 2008.  Graffiti anywhere in the city can be reported by calling 0800 TAG BUSTERS to Report it, Remove it and Stop it.

The tagging hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a member of the public makes a call, Council staff take the details of the tagging, its location and give callers the option of making a police report and discussing options for removal.

Council's top priority is to remove all tagging on public property. Where resources allow, Council will also aim remove all tagging on private property which is visible from public spaces. By calling 0800 TAG BUSTERS (0800 824 287) the public have access to free tips on the best way to remove other tagging and keep their property safe from future vandalism.

You can also report tagging by email on: tagbusters@hcc.govt.nz

Hamilton City Council currently works to implement Proactive, Reactive and Enforcement strategies to ensure a robust and comprehensive response to graffiti vandalism in our communities. There are several initiatives currently working across all three of these strands and it is the further development of these initiatives that will continue to reduce graffiti vandalism in Hamilton.

What can you do?

 

 

 

Apart from calling TAG BUSTERS to report tagging there are many things you can to protect yourself and your community.

Avoid being a target

  • Paint your fences and walls in dark colours that will cover in one coat: Unpainted fences are a great target for taggers.
  • Plant small trees or shrubs along fence lines to minimise surfaces that can be vandalised.
  • Remove tagging as soon as it appears, preferrably within 24 hours: By taking action quickly and removing the tagging, offenders are discouraged if you deny them exposure they are seeking.
  • Keep a sample of the paint used to paint your fence or walls: In the event that you are tagged,  you can quickly remove the tagging with the paint you have saved.
  • Start a Neighbourhood Support Group: Contact your local community constable who will assist you in starting up a group in your area. Call the Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200 for the community constable in your area.

    • Report it, remove it

    Fast removal of tagging is the key to remaining tag-free.

    Keep an eye on groups acting suspiciously: Most tagging offenders are aged 10-21 years old.

    Call the Police on 111 as soon as you see someone in the act of tagging: Get as many facts as you can that will assist Police in locating the offender:

    • Physical description of the offender
    • Description of the tagging ( such as paint, colour and words etc )
    • Record vehicle number plates and descriptions
    • Take photographs that clearly show the tagging

    Tagging is not just a Police or Council problem; it's a community issue best tackled together. Crime can't survive in a community that cares. Remember, taggers get away with graffiti because people are reluctant to get involved. Don't give up - the message will get through that we take pride in our community.

    Contact


     
     
     
     
     
     
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    Employment Development
    44 Duke Street
    Frankton
    Hamilton City Council
    Private Bag 3010
    Hamilton 3240
    Phone: 838 6556
    Fax: 838 6620