Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard is appalled that the Applecross Junior Football Club’s (AJFC) clubhouse was defaced over the ANZAC day long weekend by graffiti.

“Graffiti vandalism is unacceptable because it damages public and private property,” said Dr Woollard.

Dr Woollard said individuals can be prosecuted under the Criminal Code Act for graffiti vandalism.

“If found guilty of causing damage to property, offenders can be imprisoned up to 12 months and fined $12,000, and they can be asked to pay for cleaning the graffiti.

“The magnitude of the penalties for these offences demonstrates the seriousness of graffiti and that it will not be tolerated in the community,” said Dr Woollard.

Dr Woollard said the AFJC is disappointed that their clubhouse has been subjected to graffiti and other forms of vandalism such as damage to the doors and roller doors, as well as having their bins set on fire.

“Apart from the mark graffiti makes on the aesthetics of clubhouse, we are concerned about the negative impression it leaves on our young members,” said Mr Paul Moss, President of AJFC.

Mr Moss said committee members have to spend time to monitor and report any vandalism to the exterior of the clubhouse to City of Melville for their attention.

“Precious time and money, which could be better spent on enhancing community services, now have to be put into cleaning up the graffiti,” said Dr Woollard.

“Local clubs and organisations such as the AFJC would appreciate if the community would look out for anti-social behaviour and report any graffiti and vandalism promptly,” said Dr Woollard.

Members of the Alfred Cove community who see graffiti vandalism or similar anti-social behaviour should contact the police at 13 44 44. Alternatively, reports can be made through the following website https://secure.police.wa.gov.au/GGReportingForm/.

The City of Melville has a hotline, 1800 626 119, on which graffiti should be reported and they will endeavour to remove the graffiti within 12 to 24 hours of it being reported.