GRAFFITI vandalism cases are increasing in the north with several taggers targeting electricity boxes, specifically the new white Telkom boxes, and in some cases residents’ walls. In January this year three Telkom boxes were tagged, but the same group has now begun to target boxes on Umhlanga Rocks Drive and La Lucia Ridge. The new trend is infuriating residents, who say the vandalism is ‘despicable’.
An uMhlanga resident, who did not want to be named, said three years ago this sort of tagging vandalism was a big problem.
“Thanks to a joint effort by residents, the CPF and SAPS the tagging that took place then dried up. However, there seems to be a new wave forming as many walls, electricity substation boxes and Telkom units have been defaced by graffiti tagging in the past few months. The wall at the main entrance to Virginia Bush has been defaced twice in the past four months. A newly-painted complex wall on Umhlanga Rocks Drive was grossly damaged by a large tag recently.
“If someone is caught in the act they will have a criminal record against his or her name. Graffiti does not belong in Durban North.
Residents should be wary of this scourge and if possible clean the tagging with paint thinners or just paint over the signature marking as soon as possible. Leaving it just gives the criminal element something to gloat over,” he said.
His words were echoed by Haden Searles, chairman of the Durban North-Umhlanga Community Police Forum, who called the antisocial behaviour irresponsible and stupid.
“This is not art, it’s pure vandalism. These taggers are going around and defacing other people’s property for no reason. If caught you could face a hefty fine or even sued civilly for damaging municipal property. We have arrested several people for these sorts of incidents previously and they will have criminal records because of an ill-advised and stupid move,” Searles said.
Searles added the police and the Durban North/uMhlanga CPF were appealing to local residents to contact them if they had any information regarding the vandals.
