by John Fowler
Several volunteers turned out Saturday June 10 to work with the OPP to clean up graffiti in Almonte and Carleton Place. The effort was the first in Eastern Ontario to deal with the unsightly vandalism.
The graffiti is painted on public and private locations by young people to “tag” locations as part of a sub-culture status effort. What many of the “taggers” may not realize is that the action is an offence under the criminal code and can result in up to two years in prison. More significantly, perhaps, is that anyone charged with the criminal offence is then recorded in the police database – something that can stay with one forever. Not a good idea.
The OPP feels that prompt removal of graffiti can discourage the practice Saturday’s cleanup took place in both Carleton Place and Almonte. Supplies and snacks were provided by corporate donations from Rona Carleton Place, Home Depot Carleton Place, Carleton Place Canadian Tire, Carleton Place Wal-Mart Superstore, Carleton Place Home Hardware, Levi Home Hardware Building Centre in Almonte, Tim Horton's Carleton Place and Almonte, Steve's Independent Grocer in Carleton Place and Patrice's Independent Grocer in Almonte.
Top Photo courtesy of the OPP ; other photos:© John Fowler 2011