Hedland to map graffiti on GPS

The Town of Port Hedland has received funding to buy GPS mapping technology that will allow council staff to send real-time reporting of graffiti and vandalism instances straight to the police.

The funding comes as the Town records a significant increase in the instances of graffiti and vandalism around Hedland in particular throughout the past six months, with peak times coinciding with school holiday periods.

The graffiti hotspots include South Hedland CBD and areas surrounding Murdoch Drive and Collier Drive, according to Town staff.

The issues are also coupled with reports by theNorth West Telegraph recently that littering is also becoming a problem for the Town of Port Hedland, with clean up crews collecting a record 152 used syringes in April.

Mayor Kelly Howlett said the new technology meant real-time reporting of graffiti and vandalism would mean police could follow up faster and include information in their reporting structure.

“The Town is working with South Hedland Police to identify ways in which we can work together to reduce the amount of graffiti appearing on fence lines, footpaths, roadways, bins and other street furniture,” she said.

“As part of our current expenditure approximately $25,000 is spent on materials to clean and remove graffiti from our streets and public spaces.

“In addition our crews have purchased a second pressure washer so that we are better placed to address graffiti issues where and when they happen.”

Community members are advised they should report all vandalism to the police and to the Town of Port Hedland.

Along with the GPS tracking technology the Town will soon have access to, residents can also report areas that need attention using the Snap Send Solve app available for smartphones.