Tagging is a property owner's nightmare, but for one Kiwi company, it has proved a boon.
GSS (Graffiti Security Systems) produces water-driven graffiti-prevention systems, using sensors that detect a tagger and spray water down the surface of the building and at the offender to stop the paint sticking.
Developed by company operations manager Tony Bicknell, the Stormwall technology is a world-first and has been taken up by schools around the country, as well as stadiums and retailers such as Supercheap Auto.
The company also developed a Stormrail system for Kiwirail to protect the Capital Connection train operating between Palmerston North and Wellington. It was commissioned in July and so far has been 100 per cent successful. GSS is now in talks with Kiwirail about further opportunities.
There has also been interest from the Greater Wellington Region Council and Auckland Transport. But Bicknell said he'd been surprised by the level of interest in the rail system from offshore. Train vandalism is a big problem overseas: Sydney spends $55 million a year on it and London twice that.
