A group of Adelaide business owners are tackling a surge in graffiti crime — by inviting vandals to paint with permission.
The suburb of Hendon in Adelaide’s west has been hit hard, with businesses and vacant properties repeatedly targeted by graffiti vandals.
But instead of pushing for arrests, locals have taken a different approach — creating a community hub where tagging is encouraged and artworks are welcomed.
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“We go and paint over the graffiti and within a day or so it’s back again,” Hendon Café owner Rami Ahmed told 7NEWS.
“There’s been graffiti, theft around this area, break-ins to the barber.”
Footage given to 7NEWS shows one person casually tagging a wall, while another drags a ceramic pot from the front of a business.
Local business owner Gary Johanson said many in the area feel under threat.
“There’s a constant threat of vandalism and graffiti — and it’s not just us, it’s all the other businesses around here being targeted,” he said.
To flip the narrative, Angelo D’Alessandro launched the Hendon Hub — transforming a factory space into a venue where street artists can paint murals legally.
“Come and ask us business owners — there might be a wall or some containers you guys can use to show your talent,” he told 7NEWS.
“There’s nothing wrong with what you’re doing — it’s just how you go about it.”
The hub officially opened on Friday and includes a café, barber shop, car detailing service and party venue.
“Everyone’s welcome — BBQ, soft drinks, great food from 12 till 8, DJ playing — come experience the Hendon Hub and see what we’ve got to offer.”
