A BRIMBANK council contractor was threatened while trying to remove graffiti from a public toilet, amid concerns that tagging is getting out of control in Sunshine.
“It was in broad daylight,’’ said Gary Collins, a local resident who had spoken to the contractor who was chased by a gang.
“This bloke was just trying to do his job and he was harassed by these people.”
Mr Collins said tagging had become particularly bad in Sunshine’s historic McKay Gardens, with even trees being targeted.
“I’m told they’re young gangs who are drinking and burning bins. They’re targeting any man-made object in the park, even trees.
“It’s a disgrace, it’s everywhere. I’ve lived in the area my whole life and it’s getting to be the worst I’ve ever seen,’’ he said.
‘‘We need tougher penalties for vandals, community service at least to clean it off.”
Brimbank’s Inspector Chris Gilbert said police were working hard to catch vandals in the act.
“Graffiti is another blight that can skew perceptions of safety,” he said. “I saw various sites [last Tuesday] where there was senseless damage to property, public and private.
‘‘I’m hoping we can find alternatives for those who are causing the damage and we will arrest when we detect offenders.
“There is some positive development in the Sunshine CBD including the rail hub, apartments and improved streetscapes.”
Inspector Gilbert said police were making a concerted effort to stop people drinking alcohol in the streets.
Last year’s budget included a graffiti removal bill of $210,000. Council aims to remove vandalism within two working days.
“We continue to proactively remove graffiti from priority sites across the municipality, with inspection and removal on a fortnightly and, in some cases, weekly basis,’’ a council spokesman said.
Brimbank council adopted a new graffiti framework last May designed to engage young people.
Residents wanting to discuss legal sites for street art should phone 9091 8210 or email bys@brimbank.vic.gov.au.
