New weapon in war against tagging

Fairfax

URBAN PLAGUE: Miramar businesses have begun to fight back against tagging.

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Napier City Council has turned to mapping software to help wipe out graffiti in the area.

The Pitney Bowes MapInfo Exponare system allows users to report and map the precise location of graffiti in the city as well as to upload photos and add comments.

Council geographic information system administrator Simon Nitz says that as the database of graffiti incidents builds up, the council will identify areas where prevention measures, such as better lighting and education are needed.

The system can also notify users if graffiti has already been reported.

"One of the big advantages is that the location data is reported in a standardised form with `x' and `y' coordinates rather than someone describing a location as, for example, being five metres down the road from Smith Autoworks."

Mr Nitz says only certain agencies such as the police, and the council's community development department are authorised to use the system.

"We realised we didn't want every member of the public to be able to lodge graffiti locations because the system would soon get out of control."

Graffiti in Napier is not a huge issue compared with some cities, he says.

"But it is insidious and the council believes it is important to get on to it quickly to prevent it becoming an eyesore. Napier has a strong tourist income and we want to protect that."

The council also uses Pitney Bowes mapping software to manage information on its sewer, stormwater and water infrastructure, and to organise planning and regulatory information such as building consents, resource consents and information on subdivisions and hazards, Mr Nitz says.

Napier District Court judge Tony Adeane has declared war on taggers in Hawke's Bay, sending three men to jail in the past year for graffiti-related offences.