Photo of a city commissioned “urban art piece” that has been painted over and vandalized with graffiti, shown by Constable Mark Hall, to the Belleville Police Services Board on January 18, 2018. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
The Belleville Police Services Board is recommending council take another step in trying to curb graffiti within the city.
The city and BDIA have had a cost-sharing program for cleaning up graffiti downtown, but a presentation from Constable Mark Hall suggested implementing some stricter rules and bylaws, as the instances of graffiti continue to be a problem.
Police Chief Ron Gignac tells Quinte News all stakeholders have to come to the table to find ways to get rid of the unwanted “street art”.
Belleville Police Constable Mark Hall gives a presentation on graffiti to the Belleville Police Services Board, on January 18, 2018. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Some of the proposed measures include prohibiting the sale of graffiti instruments, like spray paint or wide tipped markers, to people under 18, as well as a requirement that graffiti be removed as quickly as possible, when it happens.
Belleville Mayor Taso Christopher had another solution as well, for the city to provide a “safe zone” for graffiti.
Police also want to remind would-be “taggers” that if you’re caught defacing property, you will be charged.
Graffiti on the CIBC building in Downtown Belleville, shown by Constable Mark Hall, to the Belleville Police Services Board on January 18, 2018. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
