What is graffiti?
All of us see graffiti at some time or another as we go about our business in the community. It is words, colours, patterns and shapes that are drawn or scratched on buildings, underpasses, trains, buses and other surfaces. It is done without permission and it is against the law.
How does it hurt our community?
Graffiti increases the fear of crime in the community as it sends out the message that nobody cares.
The clean up procedure is expensive so it takes money away from our other services. Graffiti costs the UK over £1bn a year.
Graffiti gives the public a greater sense of fear of crime in that area. It can decrease property value and sometimes instigate loss of tourism and business.
Graffiti can often act as a magnet and attract more graffiti to the area.
What is the best way to stop it?
The most effective way is to remove it as promptly as possible. Studies have found that if you remove graffiti the culprits do eventually give up.
What's the law on graffiti?
People caught causing graffiti can be arrested and prosecuted under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Offenders can be fined up to £5000 where criminal damage in excess of £5000 is committed.
When criminal damage is under £5000, it is punishable with up to three months imprisonment and/or a fine which currently stands at £2500.Young offenders may be given a community service order.
What to do if you see graffiti?
If you see graffiti, please let us know so that we can make arrangements to remove it.
Report an issue with graffiti (opens in new tab)We will need a description of the location of the graffiti and, if known, the contact details of the owner of the premises.
We will then look at the size of the project and refer it to the appropriate team for removal. We will carry out the works as soon as possible.
We will remove hate, racist and offensive graffiti within 48 hours.
If you see graffiti actually being sprayed onto buildings, please contact the Police immediately on 01633 838111.