Graffiti Vandalism (tagging) is a crime, and if caught, an offender can be prosecuted under Section 11A Graffiti Vandalism, of the Summary Offences Act 1981.

Tagging is any informal or illegal marks, etching, carvings, drawings or paintings that have deliberately been made by a person or persons on any surface in a public space.

The big difference between graffiti being art or vandalism is permission.

Graffiti vandals come from every race and socio-economic background.  Although most are males, there are female taggers also. 12-18 year olds are those most associated with tagging. More advanced graffiti is usually carried out by older writers.

The need to be seen and to achieve respect or fame among peers is most important.  Other motivators include artistic expression, influence of pop culture, boredom and bravado.

Signs that indicate your teen might be a tagger 

• Tagging written on their clothing, shoes, school books, notebooks, backpacks, CD covers and on bedroom furniture or walls.

• Frequently wears baggy pants or carries a large backpack.  These are used to carry and conceal cans of spray-paint, various colours and types of marker pens, etching tools, slap tags and cameras to take photos of their taggings.

• Clothes and backpacks stained with paint.

• They have quantities of markers in various colours, types and sizes, spray paint cans and shoe polish containers

• They carry tools used for etching glass or mirror surfaces such as spark plug porcelain, drill bits, screwdrivers with a sharpened tip, small rocks or any other type of sharp instrument.

• They have large quantities of stickers that they draw their tag on. These stickers are used to “slap tag”. They are slapped upon a surface and are difficult to remove and generally leave a residue.

• They are frequently deceitful about their activities and cannot adequately explain why they possess the above described items.

• They stay out late at night or has taken to sneaking out of the house

• Frequently has paint or marker pen residue on their fingertips

• They frequently visit tagging websites, own tagging magazines or have photographs of tagging in their bedroom.

• The tagging seen on their school books, clothing or in their bedroom is the same as that you see in your neighbourhood or surrounding area. Taggers generally tag in or near their own neighbourhoods.

• He/She associates with other people who exhibit these same traits.  These other people may be members of the same “tagging crew.”

Legal Street Art

There are some very talented graffiti artists within the city who have undertaken a number of legal ‘pieces’ in and around the city.  These individuals have approached local companies, businesses and organizations obtaining permission and approval before any such work is undertaken.

This process of contacting the relevant property owners and obtaining permission is supported by both Council and the Police.

What can I do if I think my teen is a tagger?

Every case is different, and there can be many things which can lead your child to tagging.  In the first instance it is best to try talk to your child if you suspect they may be tagging or associated with tagging.

For advice and support call the Youth Aid officer at your local Police station.  They are well equipped to help you determine what steps you can take.

Mt Maunganui Police Station 07 575 3143

Tauranga Police Station 07 577 4300

Greerton Police Station 07 578 3460

Katikati 07 549 0004

Papamoa 07 572 2440

Te Puke 07 573 9147

The problem of graffiti vandalism

As with most forms of vandalism, graffiti is not routinely reported to Police. Many people think that graffiti is not a police or “real crime” problem, or that the police can do little about it.  Because graffiti is not routinely reported to police or other agencies, its true scope is unknown. But graffiti has become a major concern, and the mass media, including movies and websites glamourising or promoting graffiti as an acceptable form of urban street art, have contributed to its spread.

Tauranga Tagging

The number of tags removed within the city has increased dramatically over the last few years, signifying both an increase in this crime and the level of intolerance to it by the community.

One $3.00 spray paint can has the potential to cause up to $10,000 worth of damage

How can you help?

If you see someone tagging phone 111 immediately. 

The Police are interested in addressing this crime and have a better chance of taking legal action if they can catch an offender in the act.

Safe City Tauranga and the Police have a “See Something Say Something” campaign relating to all crime and in particular tagging, asking of the community if you are seeing a crime taking place to phone 111 immediately.

Report tagging to Tauranga City Council.

Council has a maintenance contract to remove illegal tagging within the City as soon as possible to prevent the offenders gaining the fame they desire. Phone the Council call centre on 5777 000 to report tagging.

Council is also focusing on working with the community and neighbourhood support groups to encourage greater participation of the community to help reduce this crime through reporting offences and also providing paint for those wishing to help with rapid removal of tagging in their areas.

If you would like to help with rapid removal of tagging please phone the Council on 5777 000.