Teens caught on camera tagging Rolleston wall identified

A resident snapped this photo of two teens spray-painting graffiti on a wall at Rolleston in...
A resident snapped this photo of two teens spray-painting graffiti on a wall at Rolleston in broad daylight. Photo: Supplied
Two 14-year-olds who vandalised a Rolleston wall with graffiti in broad daylight have been identified and dealt with by police.

The incident was photographed by a resident and appeared in the Selwyn Times and on Star News last week.

Police said the pair had been referred to Youth Aid and had carried out community work.

The incident comes as residents raise concerns about increasing rates of vandalism and other crimes being carried out in the district by teenagers.

This included the tagging of a family home in Prebbleton, ram-raids, dairy robberies and vehicles being stolen.

Last week, Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton said he would be meeting with police to discuss the crime issue.

He said he would ask about any issues or trends facing police in the area and what Selwyn District Council might be able to offer in support.

However, this week Broughton would not discuss the issues or trends, saying it was "a question for the police".

"We meet with the police on a regular basis to understand the areas in which they are concentrating their efforts,” he said in an emailed response.

"As a council, we support their role by providing community services that meet our communities needs.

"For young people that means providing safe and well-resourced facilities and activities to allow them to participate in community life.

"This develops a sense of belonging and discourages them from taking part in activity that damages our communities.

"We are also heavily engaged in programmes and initiatives to develop opportunities for young people helping them achieve and succeed in their ambitions."