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147 Fined for Vandalism and Writing Graffiti
Nearly 147 people were fined for vandalism and defacing the city's image during a campaign conducted by the Abu Dhabi Municipality recently.
- PUBLISHED: Wed 12 Nov 2008, 8:56 PM UPDATED: Thu 27 Oct 2022, 2:28 PM
In 55 cases, the officials found them writing graffiti on walls, braking traffic signal posts, smashing telephone cabins and leaving construction wastes on roads.
Salim Al Mamari, Executive Manager of Municipal Services Section of the municipality, told Khaleej Times that the inspection drive had focused on abandoned buildings which have been turned into garbage dumps, making them a breeding ground for insects and rodents that spread diseases.
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Of the 61 abandoned buildings in Abu Dhabi, 22 were demolished by the municipality and 20 others were razed by owners, while 19 are in line for demolition.
Omar Al Hashemi, Director of Municipal Services Offices, said graffiti was the most common action defacing the image of the city.
“The high cost and efforts to remove these graffiti and repair other damage calls for stringent action to rein in people who indulge in such vandalism,” he said.
A person found guilty of writing graffiti on walls would face a prison term of not less than a year or a fine of not more than Dh10,000 or both as per the provisions of the Federal Penal Code.
If the offence is committed by a gang of three, the penalty will be five years in jail for each, he said. If a juvenile is involved, he would get a reduced prison term and fine, and would be reprimanded.