Police want Masterton tagger to pay

Terrence Alex McLeod pleaded guilty in Masterton District Court to 27 charges of wilful damage.

A Lansdowne man who sprayed graffiti on 27 Masterton properties causing more than $6000 worth of damage appeared in Masterton District Court last week.

Terrence Alex McLeod appeared before Judge Andrew Becroft and pleaded guilty to 27 charges of wilful damage.

He tagged several buildings in town including Masterton District Council property, Mitre 10 Mega, the Postie Plus building, Lansdowne Bowling Club and Red Star Rugby Club along with many privately owned buildings.

Police prosector Sergeant Garry Wilson said in recent months there had been an increase in tagging of buildings around Masterton with a large amount relating to tags carrying the signature RAW and RAW ONE.

"Graffiti has a huge cost for our society ... the annual public cost of graffiti is significant," he said.

On September 4, McLeod was seen with another person tagging the wall behind Mitre 10 Mega. Sixteen days later he was seen tagging the Opaki Rd Store window.

Police arrested him a short time later with spray cans in his bag and when shown photographs of tagging done around town, McLeod admitted he was responsible for much of it, Mr Wilson said.

Lawyer James Elliott said McLeod was working with Masterton District Council "to make good the graffiti damage".

"He has painted over a lot of the graffiti himself."

McLeod considered tagging to be art, Mr Elliott said.

"One man's treasure is another man's rubbish."

Police are seeking reparation of $6638.

Judge Becroft remanded McLeod on bail with special conditions including a curfew between 9pm and 7am, not to consume alcohol, or possess spray paint or equipment for tagging outside his own home.

McLeod is due back in court for sentencing on November 10.