Stamp Out Graffiti With Paint Out Kits

Graffiti paint out kits are now available for communities who suffer from tagging.

Franklin District Council has distributed the paint out kits to 15 communities in Franklin who repeatedly experience the effects of graffiti.

Franklin District Council GM Environmental Services, James Jefferson, says Council are empowering Franklin communities to take control and stamp out the graffiti quickly.

“International research shows that the immediate removal of graffiti is the best deterrent, so if the community take ownership and quickly remove it with the kits on both private and public property, you’re less likely to suffer another attack in your area. Graffiti is a community issue, and the entire community need to get involved to help eradicate it.”

Along with being an eyesore and a nuisance on both public and private property, graffiti impacts on the ratepayers in term of the cost of removal.

“Graffiti is costly to both Council and residents. A whole community response is needed to deter taggers from striking again. We encourage you to digitally photograph the tags before removal and email the photos to Council, along with a date and place of where the tag was recorded. This may well help to apprehend offenders, or can be stored for future reference when offenders are caught. Historic records can be used as evidence in certain cases,” James says.

The kits have a limited range of colours for painting over graffiti, product to remove felt tip pen tags, special product for graffiti removal off brick surfaces, along with brushes and safety gear. Paint out kits holders are not responsible for cleaning the graffiti – this is up to the individual who requests use of the kit, however assistance can be given to the elderly or disabled. The kits include information on safety and appropriate use. The kit must be returned to the holder immediately after use.

Paint out kits are held by a guardian in the communities of Pukekohe (2), Waiuku (2), Tuakau, Pokeno, Mangatangi, Kaiaua, Port Waikato, Bombay, Paerata, Patumahoe, Te Hihi, Pukekohe East and Clarks Beach.

Council wishes to acknowledge the valuable support of the following local businesses when establishing these kits; Resene, The Warehouse, Counties Cleaning Supplies, Payless Plastics Manukau.

Contact Council on 237 1300 for contact details for your local paint out kit. Photos of graffiti can be sent to FDC_Info@franklin.govt.nz.

More information about the paint out kits, tips for cleaning graffiti and keeping your property graffiti-free can be found on www.clearnerfranklin.co.nz.