Bay company rains on vandals' parade

RACHEL PINDER
An innovative way of dealing with graffiti has been launched - by washing vandals' scribblings off the wall as fast as they can write them.
Hawke's Bay business Graffiti Security Systems (GSS) has developed a wet-wall graffiti deterrent system which uses infra-red motion sensors to trigger when a vandal approaches a wall or surface, with high-pressure water nozzles and floodlights.
The system has been adopted by businesses and councils across the country, including Napier City Council, which has used it to protect the walls of the city's Municipal Theatre.
GSS managing director Antony Bicknell said the system had been a great deterrent to vandalism.
It had helped the theatre as well as many businesses nationwide that had been plagued by graffiti vandals. "The vandals have given up on these businesses because of the system.
"It has saved the businesses a significant amount of money and also spared them of the unsightly tagging that has reached epidemic proportions nationwide," Mr Bicknell said. Last year, Justice Minister Phil Goff outlined a plan to deter offenders that included giving more power to police and councils, as well as the dishing out of hefty fines.
"The real cost of graffiti on councils and businesses is much higher than just the financial cost of repairs, as it also has a negative impact on society and the environment," Mr Bicknell said.
Mr Bicknell has been trialling and modifying the system and launched GSS with assistance from Hawke's Bay Inc.
Hawke's Bay Inc business development manager Jenny Brown helped GSS with advice on accessing business growth funding through New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, as well as developing the actual business model.
"We see GSS as an innovative business and also a business that has a positive impact on the community," Mrs Brown said.
"Graffiti is a real problem - and an expensive one at that - and this is a unique product that will be a deterrent in New Zealand and worldwide.
"Other businesses like GSS will benefit from being involved with Hawke's Bay Inc.
"The organisation has just completed a survey with more than 1000 businesses participating with the aim of assisting business growth and boosting the region's economy.
"There is a wealth of advice available for businesses and it is through initiatives such as Business Edge that we can help companies, just like GSS, access the advice and information they require," Mrs Brown said.
GSS recently secured an active private investor to ensure the business could manage increased orders for the system throughout New Zealand.
"We have suppliers nationwide ready to keep up with demand for a product that will make an impact in deterring graffiti," Mr Bicknell said.