(MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH, ON) On Friday August 23, 2013, Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers in Listowel were called to numerous addresses on Elizabeth St East where graffiti had been sprayed on a number of public buildings and utility junction boxes.
Investigation revealed that this wilful damage occurred sometime after dark on Thursday evening August 22nd, and the early hours of Friday morning August 23rd.
The public is reminded that Graffiti is any writing, symbols or drawing applied to any surface without the property owner’s consent. Most acts of graffiti make reference to hip-hop culture, but graffiti is also used by gangs or other extremists.
Graffiti is not a victimless crime since it negatively impacts a community’s beautification. The removal or repair costs can be very expensive, but it must be removed. Graffiti left unchallenged suggests a community that is apathetic about its appearance and most often leads to more graffiti being applied.
The public is reminded that graffiti wilfully damages or destroys property. It is therefore the Criminal Code offence of mischief, and those convicted of this offence can be punished with a prison sentence for up to 10 years.
The Perth County OPP encourages the community to report and deter acts of graffiti. If graffiti or persons applying graffiti are observed report it immediately. If you know who is responsible, contact the Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.