Man to face court over multiple graffiti offences

A 39-year-old O’Connor man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Monday, 11 January 2021) charged in relation to a string of graffiti incidents.

Between May and October 2020, police allege the man committed a string of graffiti offences in Dickson, the City, and O’Connor.

The man is alleged to have defaced police vehicles, light rail vehicles, and the Sydney Building.

Officer in Charge of Gungahlin Police Station, Inspector Rachel Hutka said the brazen nature of this offending was particularly troubling for police.

“Our investigation indicates the offender would often commit these offences in full view of members of the public, while the offender was also allegedly spotted taking photos of his tags with a mobile phone shortly after committing the offences,” Inspector Rachel Hutka said. 

“These incidents amount to property damage which is a criminal offence.

“The cost of the damage is real with significant expenses involved in the clean-up process.

The man will face a total of seven charges, including defacing a Commonwealth premises, damage property, and defacing public property.