Graffiti vandal caught after quick actions

From City Scene, published on 26 April, 2009.

Thanks to the quick actions of a local security firm, four males who went on a graffiti spree throughout the Remuera area were caught and held until police arrived on the scene.

One of them has since admitted vandalising 14 houses, six shops, two power boxes and one ATM in the incident that took place in the early hours of 16 April.

Remuera Business Association employs the firm, Matrix Security, who dealt with the incident.

Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks, said he was glad to hear these results. "Graffiti vandalism continues to plague Auckland's streets and we must do everything we can to ensure that those who continue to deface our community are held accountable.

"I congratulate the excellent work of the Remuera Business Association and Matrix Security in ensuring Auckland city continues in its aims to become a world-class city," says Mr Banks.

Councillor Paul Goldsmith, chairperson of the Community Services Committee, which last year allocated additional resources to combating graffiti vandalism, welcomed the efforts of the firm.

He also encouraged Aucklanders to continue using the 0800 STOP TAGS phone line if they had any information about suspected graffiti vandals.

"Graffiti vandalism is an attack on the community and we all have to work together to combat it," Mr Goldsmith says.