• Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook Star

15th July 2008 11:06:12 AM

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NEW laws have come into force to help keep spray paint cans out of the hands of young graffiti vandals.

Tarneit MP Tim Pallas said retailers would now be restricted from selling spray paint cans to people under the age of 18 unless they produced a letter or statutory declaration from their employer declaring the paint was for their work.

Retailers and their employees who sell spray paint cans to minors without that proof face on-the-spot fines of up to $226 or fines of up to $2268.

Employers also face fines of up to $2268 for failing to take reasonable precautions, such as staff training, to prevent an employee from selling spray paint cans to a minor without proof.

Mr Pallas said retailers had been sent resource kits to advise them of the new laws and help them inform their employees and customers.

“Our community is sick and tired of graffiti vandals ruining their private property,” Mr Pallas said.

“These tough new laws will help keep spray cans out of the hands of minors, who are the largest group of apprehended graffiti vandals.

“Research shows that graffiti offending is evolutionary in nature, with offenders following a developmental cycle that commences with tagging in early adolescence,” he said.”

In April new laws came into effect making graffiti a specific offence for the first time in Victoria resulting in tougher penalties, with graffiti offenders now facing up to two years jail and hefty fines.

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