Graffiti gets a spray

PAKENHAM Business Group members were treated to an anti-graffiti presentation last week.
Cardinia Shire Council community safety officer Richard Mauguret gave business owners a short course on how to keep their businesses free from unwanted vandalism.
He said perception was an important in whether people felt safe in an area and that graffiti reduced perceptions of safety.
“Not only does it do this, but devaluates the business, intimidates current residents, inhibits new residents – not to mention the financial costs,” he said.
“For every square metre of graffiti it costs $10 – that could equate to $20,000 dollars worth.”
While there was a 54 per cent reduction of graffiti in the shire over the past year, Mr Mauguret said 47 per cent of the remaining graffiti in the area was in Pakenham. “The best way to reduce this number is to take a proactive response,” he said. “Break up large surfaces, use darker coloured materials, use rough surfaces, keep your properties maintained and well lit at night.Even consider using an anti-graffiti coating.”
He said the graffiti problem in the shire was being reduced with help from the community.
“Cardinia is a safe place to live and work and we want to continue that,” he said.