New CRC report counters 'little understood' graffiti problem

By Jennifer Perry

Released by the CRC for Rail Innovation, the report, A review of the literature on social, non-technical deterrents for vandalism in the rail industry, identified best practices for input into short and long term strategies for reducing the scope and scale of vandalism and graffiti on rail property in Australia, and emphasised the need for multi-disciplinary and collaborative interventions to counter the “little understood” problem of graffiti and vandalism.
“It is not clear whether the lack of success of past attempts to reduce vandalism is due to poor implementation or poor follow-up analysis,” CRC chief executive David George said.
“While many methods mentioned in Australian literature have not been effective, this review discussed how these methods could be employed in a strategic and integrated way to produce the desired results.”
“The report notes that there are a number of successful strategies that have been undertaken in other countries that serve as exemplars of best practices, some of which are missing in the Australian context,” George said.
Ten short term recommendations and an overall long term research direction were proposed, with the aim of identifying innovative and successful strategies to minimise and prevent graffiti and vandalism in the Australian rail industry.
“The literature review recommends a research to map out the heterogeneity of what has been seen as a homogenous group of graffiti artists and vandals. By mapping out different sub-groups and sub-types of graffiti artists, writers and gangs, a suite of targeted interventions could be developed,” George said.
“Geographical Information Systems (GIS) could be employed to assist in providing a detailed visual overview of prime targets, tag trails and known areas where gangs choose to congregate.”
The CRC will work with passenger transport rail operators to review options to take this important issue forward. The CRC will also, in conjunction with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), hold a meeting with key industry stakeholders in October to discuss future directions for the rail industry in addressing vandalism.

To download the report visit: www.railcrc.net.au
Further queries should be directed to Rhianne Piamsa-Art: (02) 6270 4504