Graffiti and anti-social behaviour is targeted in ‘Operation Lorn’ in western Sydney suburbs of St Marys and Penrith.

Graffiti vandals were special focus in a major police crack down on graffiti and anti-social behaviour in Sydney’s west over two nights.

Operation Lorn launched by police after spate of anti-social and criminal behaviour, including graffiti.  Police tactics favoured shaming juvenile offenders – in front of parents – for their actions and made to clean away their graffiti.

The operation involved police from General Duties, Highway Patrol, Police Pushbikes, Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Polair, Mounted Unit, Dog Squad, School Liaison Officers and plain clothes police. Officers from the Rail Vandalism Task Force and Commuter Crime Unit were also assisted by RailCorp Security.

Graffiti was only one of many more serious offensive or criminal activities. The operation also targeted gang activity in the area through proactive and high visibility policing, which aimed to reduce the incidence of crime and improve public safety.

As a result of the two-day operation, 31 arrests were made while 136 juveniles were searched near graffiti hot spots and 64 of them moved on.

Inspector Kevin Dodds from St Marys Local Area Command said the operation was a success and police in the region will continue to target anti-social behaviour.

We won’t take a backward step. Police will maintain a strong presence to prevent anti-social behaviour and graffiti vandalism.”

Parents of juveniles caught spray painting a building at a St Clair sportsground were confronted and supported police action to have their children clean the graffiti away.

We found it surprising when we confronted the parents, some weren’t even aware their children were involved in such criminal activity,” Insp Dodds said.

We will continue to work with parents in averting juveniles from criminal and anti-social behaviour through our Youth Liaison Officers and School Liaison Officers.”

Nine juveniles allegedly attached to “The St Clair Crew” were issued warnings for graffiti, as were two juveniles allegedly part of a street gang called “Bombin’ Local Carriages.”