Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Peterborough County Detachment are investigating several graffiti incidents at various locations around Havelock which occurred during the night of November 14, 2018.
Often considered to be a nuisance and not worth reporting, if left unchecked, graffiti has a negative effect on the reputation of a community. Any writing, symbol or drawing made to any surface without the permission of the owner is considered graffiti. Graffiti is not a victimless crime as property owners are left to pay for the removal of the graffiti from their property.
Timely removal of graffiti assists in deterring other graffiti crime. It has been found that graffiti writers will not waste their time or materials if the graffiti is not providing them an audience. Removal also sends a clear message that this type of activity will not be tolerated.
To assist in reducing the risk, please consider the follow:
- Increase lighting around buildings and vulnerable areas
- Restrict access to property or vulnerable areas by placing fences or environmental barriers such as bushes
- Install surveillance cameras
