Graffiti is an illegal, anti-social activity that creates a negative impression of an area and contributes to people's fear of crime
Graffiti is any drawing, marking or word which has been scribbled, scratched or sprayed onto any area where it is unwanted.
Graffiti is criminal damage and falls loosely into two types:
- Offensive - where it is for example of a racial, sexual or abusive nature
- Non-offensive - where it is none of the above but nevertheless is undesirable
We will aim to remove obscene and racist graffiti within 24 working hours and all other types of graffiti, within 10 days.
It is not essential to provide an official statement when reporting graffiti but a statement is very useful when prosecuting.
We can:
- issue fines and take Court action against those who commit graffiti. £75 fixed penalty fines will be issued to graffiti offenders caught. Failure to pay the fine will result in offenders being brought before magistrates where fines can rise to £1000
- require property owners to remove graffiti from their land, assets or buildings
- remove graffiti on council buildings, land and other assets such as street signs
We employs the services of a contractor to remove graffiti and an enforcement officer who can take action.
Graffiti on private property
The removal of graffiti is the responsibility of the owner of the property affected, but we will give full advice and help to organise the removal of the graffiti if requested.