Graffiti

Graffiti is an illegal practice, it spoils both public and private property and can be very costly to remove. There is no excuse for this type of behaviour as the practice inevitably causes criminal damage to private property.

Graffiti is classed as anything which is written, scratched, painted or sprayed on the surface of any property. It ranges from the simple act of tagging a location with initials through to elaborate paintings.

Graffiti is a criminal offence which is investigated by the police and the local authority. Anyone who is found to be responsible for acts of graffiti can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £80.00. Offenders also face arrest by the police and could face very large fines or imprisonment if the matter is dealt with in court.

If you see any one doing an act of graffiti you should immediately report the matter to the police. If you have any information regarding offenders, you should report it to the police or the council. All information will be treated in strictest confidence.

Removal of graffiti

We are usually responsible for removing graffiti from public buildings, street furniture or monuments.

Privately owned property and other items such as telephone boxes, bus shelters and electricity boxes are the responsibility of the owner or company that has placed them there. We can remove graffiti from private property but there may be a small charge to provide this service.

We operate a specialist cleaning vehicle which is equipped with a wide range of chemical cleaners and cleaning equipment. The graffiti removal officers can deal with the majority of all types of graffiti.

When graffiti is reported to us we aim to clear it as soon as possible. Any graffiti which is classed as racist or offensive in nature should be removed within 2 working days.

We cannot remove graffiti from private households and other private property without the owner's permission.

Graffiti removal is normally free for domestic property and public owned areas or buildings. There may be a charge for repeat removal or removal from commercial property.