Adoption of a municipal intervention and prevention plan to counter vandalism

– PRESS RELEASE

This plan was drawn up by the Recreation, Community Life and Culture Department as part of the actions targeted by the Family and Seniors Policy (action 2.1.1). It was presented at the very same time that a new act of vandalism occurred in Goyette-Hill Park, proving that concerted measures must be put in place to reduce mischief.

Like many other towns, Sutton suffers from acts of vandalism of varying degrees of seriousness, each time incurring costs for repair or clean-up. One of the most recent, in April, involved not graffiti, but the burning of a construction cone on the new basketball court, damaging its composite surface and necessitating the replacement of seven tiles. This winter, the bike path’s brand-new bollards were tagged, forcing several clean-ups. And just recently, new graffiti took place in the toilets in the park chalet.

While intervening as soon as any act of vandalism is committed, the municipal administration also wishes to focus on prevention to reduce the scope and number of misdeeds. The Intervention and prevention plan to counter vandalism in municipal public spaces will enable concerted action to be taken with various partners in the community. Its aim is to propose concrete measures to deal with the recurring problem of vandalism, particularly illegal graffiti. The Town wishes to gradually include legal graffiti as a positive means of expression:

Our vision:
A safe, harmonious living environment in which graffiti, as an urban art form,
is promoted in a way that respects public and private property.

Intervention measures

Under the Plan, the Town of Sutton will apply or reinforce certain intervention measures to clean up or repair damage to public property (e.g., parks, buildings, sports equipment, street furniture) as quickly as possible. Cleaning up graffiti quickly prevents its proliferation and eliminates the attention desired by the graffiti artist.

Intervention measures to be implemented from this summer include :

• An confidential online form for reporting or denouncing an act of vandalism (e.g. illegal graffiti or other damage). By reporting graffiti or other acts of vandalism, you can help us intervene, quickly clean-up and increase the chances of catching the vandals in the act. To report vandalism :
  • Type sutton.ca/vandalism/ or
  • Go on the Form to report graffiti or other acts of vandalism
• Rapid and systematic cleaning of illegal graffiti on public property.
• Support for the hiring of a community outreach worker by the Maison des jeunes de Sutton, to provide an increased  presence in frequently attended public places  as well as to intervene in a harm reduction approach. Don’t hesitate to share this job offer!

Preventive measures

Without wishing to single out specific individuals, prevention requires education but also raises awareness throughout the community, so that collectively, respect for property is a value that is passed on and shared.

Among the preventive measures to be implemented this summer:

• Information on the Town’s website and notice boards to raise awareness and encourage reporting of graffiti or other acts of vandalism, enabling rapid intervention and cleaning.
• Information and awareness-raising workshops for at-risk populations on the consequences of illegal graffiti.
• Promotion of urban art (such as murals) to enable graffiti artists to participate in beautifying the town while increasing their sense of belonging.
• Increased protection and surveillance of areas at risk of graffiti and vandalism.

What is illegal graffiti?

Graffiti is an inscription, drawing or slogan traced on a wall, building, street furniture or objects located on private property or in the public space. Graffiti is considered an act of vandalism when it is committed without consent or legal authorization on a public or private site. Any form of damage to public or private property constitutes an act of vandalism (e.g. ,damaging a building, breaking windows, engraving on a bench or tagging on a wall, etc.).

Graffiti deterrents include the use of dark colours, varnish, protective mesh, motion detector lighting and restricted access.

What are the consequences?

By producing illegal graffiti, you expose yourself to criminal and/or penal sanctions:

• Under section 430 of the Criminal Code anyone who willfully destroys or damages property commits mischief, which is then considered an indictable offence. The offender is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 to 10 years, in addition to having a criminal record.
• In accordance with By-law RM 460 respecting peace, order and nuisances, section 15, anyone who commits acts of vandalism in a public place is liable to a fine ranging from $150 to $1,000.

NOTE – For any act of vandalism on private property,
you must call our local police department at 310-4141.