Under amendments introduced into NSW Parliament earlier this month, police would be able to take paint cans away from young people, even if graffiti-related charges were not laid.

Police would have discretion to decide whether or not a youth has a valid reason to carry spray paint.

Ms Goward said she had no difficulty in supporting the bill, but feared where it would lead without more police.

"There has been no indication in my area, for example, where graffiti is the number one policing issue, that there will be additional police numbers," she said.

In parliament, Ms Goward said providing resources to ensure the law was enforced would lead to respect for the law and for the lawmakers, but failure to enforce it would encourage young people to thumb their noses at the law.

"The number of police patrols in Goulburn and Bowral is pathetic," she said. "We need more police because we realise that the vandalism and graffiti are only the beginning for a young person who is disenfranchised, lost and disturbed and who can get away with committing these offences."

Full story: SHN, Monday, October 29