Tuesday, December 7, 2010

How Does Graffiti Impact Our Neighbourhood?

Often, many instances of graffiti are minimal in nature. However,to many people and including the law, graffiti offences also constitute vandalism. Graffiti doesn't give community members a sense of feeling safe. Instead, individuals who are looking to buy a house in a partlicular community may not choose to do so because of the graffiti problem. Graffiti isn't only a problem in communities because the hazardous and possibly toxic and/or permanent chemicals that are used in the commission of the offecne impact the environment as well.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Questions? You bet!

1. Were you, or do you know a victim of graffiti?

2. Why do you think some people choose to do graffiti?

3. What kind of graffiti would you say is most common in your neighbourhood?

4. Have you yourself ever violated a premise?

5. Do you know of any violated premises?

6. Are there alternatives to expressing oneself?

7. In your opinion, should offenders be rehabilitated or punished?

8. Could you recommend any programs/community service for troubled youths?

9.  Should graffiti offences be combined with vandalism?

10. Is there anything else you would like to add? Express yourself!

Vulnerable Areas!

I've decided I'd visit a few spots I was certain had graffiti in Hamilton given my experience living here for 14 years. Although not alot, I did manage to find darkened, rather unnoticable places where graffiti offences were bound to happen. As I was checking for graffiti in my neighbourhood, I found Confederation Park had a few "red zones" as I progressed toward Burlington. Know of any spots yourself? Comments are welcome.


View Larger Map

I visited my old neighbourhood and went to a particular location as I knew there would be instances of "blue zones" just behind a local plaza. If you scroll into the map provided below, you'll see that the area is sealed off at the back and it's rather unnoticable at night (I once witnessed a police officer use his police light around this area. However, he wasn't able to see through the fence in front of the Tint Boys Auto World store. Again, if your neighbourhood is facing the same issue please comment below.


View Larger Map

Prevention Cont.

Assisting the Community in SAFEGUARDING Homes Against Break & Enters
-          Safeguard Hamilton

"There is a great difference between worry and concern. A worried person sees a problem, and a concerned person solves a problem." - Harold Stephens

Hamilton Police Community Supervisor & Prevention Strategies

        Christine Luciw
       Community Service Branch Supervisor
       Badge No. #645
       (905) 546-2950
       Crime Stoppers (905) 522-TIPS
       Graffiti Hotline: (905) 546-GRAF (4723)
       Target Hardening
       Neighbourhood Watch
       Operation Identification

What Can I Do To Help?

If the public wants to do something positive about this issue and contribute to the better good of the community, calling the local authorities is necessary if graffiti is noticed as this may prevent future instances. Alternatively, talking to Christine Luciw, a community police supervisor with the Hamilton police service is another option.

Other options include:
•       Crime Stoppers (905) 522-TIPS
•       Reporting Graffiti (The quicker it’s reported, the less of a chance of it happening again)
•       Graffiti Hotline: (905) 546-GRAF (4723)