Perth street artists are under siege. The police have just recently conducted one of the biggest counter strikes against graffiti artists. While such a tough approach is admirable for the consistency with which it is delivered, it comes as no surprise that more and more street artists are leaving Perth for the relative sanctuary of the eastern states, particularly Melbourne. And while Melbourne itself is on the cusp of stepping up anti-graffiti laws, they do so after making amendments to local laws which actually acknowledge the commercial viability of graffiti and street art.
The recent police raids – dubbed Operation Coleman – saw rail and state police combine forces for a series of dawn raids which took place between February 14 and 22. Over 46 properties in the metropolitan area were raided. From these homes over 450 items were seized, including computers, laptops, spray cans, marker pens, drugs and weapons. Already 92 charges have been laid against the 38 individuals – 19 of whom are juveniles – arrested at these properties, although the tally of charges are expected to grow within the next six months as police work their way through the seized goods.
While such a haul may have the police rubbing their hands with glee, it also raises concerns. Yes, clearly there is a problem here. Yes, clearly thousands of dollars worth of damage occurs to property every year, with it reaching the millions for The Public Transport Authority – they spent $2.5 million last year combating graffiti on trains and at bus stops, with the cost undoubtedly sure to rise this year with the opening of the Mandurah line. But is the way to deal with such a crime simply a matter of upping the penalties and, consequently, taking an even tougher stance? Couldn’t it rather be the case that the community needs to examine the factors contributing to the continuation of this crime, and thus explore avenues which could see it become significantly curbed?
At present in WA, maximum penalties for damaging property are a year in jail and a $12,000 fine. People found in possession of items like spray cans, which are clearly intended for committing an offence, can be liable for a $6000 fine, along with incurring clean up costs of having graffiti removed. Retailers who sell graffiti paraphernalia currently incur no penalties.
This March will see Victoria step up anti-graffiti laws. Under the new legislation vandals will face two years in jail and a $26,000 fine. There will also be a ban of people carrying spray cans – unless for work reasons – on public transport, plus fines for retailers who sell spray cans and such to minors. However, such a step up seems justified, particularly after Melbourne City Council amended local legislation to include the application of a street art permit by both businesses and individuals, even if the application was retroactive. After all, Melbourne’s famous street art laneways are crucial to the new Visit Victoria advertising campaigns and create a huge tourist revenue for the region. Tougher penalties seem fair when the government already nurtures a healthy avenue of expression.
However, back here in Perth and the climate is still reactionary. While the police make demands that the legislation and council bylaws should be tougher against vandals, perhaps such amendments should also acknowledge more creative avenues of expression for these individuals. More legal spray sites, perhaps? After all, is the way to deal with a problem to consistently quash it, or is it to actually engage with it and perhaps find a viable way make it work for the community?
