Graffiti vandalism, or tagging, is not just a Council or Police problem - it is a community problem. If tagging is not removed promptly it attracts more tagging.
You can take action against tagging by removing it as soon as it happens. This sends a message to the offenders that tagging will not be tolerated by the community.
Report tagging to the Police immediately - especially if the offender is still there or has just left.
How to Deter Tagging
There are steps you can take to reduce the risks of your property being targeted:
- Plant shrubs or other vegetation in front of fences and walls.
- Paint fences or walls in dark colours.
- Install motion sensor lights.
- Install video surveillance cameras - the possibility of being caught on video is a good deterrent.
- Remove graffiti as soon as possible. One tag attracts more tags.
- Join (or form) a Neighbourhood Support Group, with neighbours keeping an eye on each other's properties.
- Protect exposed walls with a graffiti protection product - suppliers can be found in the Yellow Pages.
Graffiti Removal Tips
- Graffiti is easier to remove before it dries.
- The appropriate treatment for removal will vary depending on whether the surface is treated or untreated, hard, soft, or porous. It may be advisable to seek advice from a paint products specialist before starting.
- Try to remove tags when they are fresh by using methylated spirits, turpentine, paint-stripper, dishwashing detergent, branded graffiti removal products or oven cleaner.
- Paint your walls or fence in dark colours. Colours that will cover in one coat are most effective, such as green or brown. It is easier to keep a painted wall graffiti-free as any further tags can simply be painted over.
- Clean unpainted walls or fences by sanding or waterblasting.
- Covering surfaces in a graffiti protection will make removal far easier if it is tagged.