Not many people like to see graffiti. It can lower property values, encourage other types of crime and vandalism and make the district less pleasant to live in. Vandalism, graffiti and illegal rubbish dumping cost you, the rate payer, on average, around $600,000 per year.

 

How to deal with Graffiti

Council has established a graffiti database to store photographic evidence of graffiti tags prior to their removal. The database will provide valuable monitoring information on the prevalence and removal costs of graffiti and in some cases may also assist in the apprehension of offenders.

The Franklin Safer Community Coalition has also been encouraging retailers who stock items used by graffiti vandals ie. spray cans, indelible or felt pens, paint, and a wide variety of etching tools to make it as difficult as possible for graffitists to access these items.

Removing graffiti as promptly as possible is vital in deterring graffiti. Taggers add to existing graffiti so leaving graffiti visible will encourage graffiti in your neighbourhood. For more tips on removing graffiti see below.

 

How to Deter Graffiti
 

• Plant a hedge, some shrubs, or put a hanging plant or big pot plant in front of your fence or wall. 
  Increase visibility at night. Lights with motion sensors are good for this. 
• If you are a business you may want to look at installing video surveillance cameras. The possibility of being caught is a good deterrent. 
• Report suspicious activity to the Police. When people graffiti without permission it is a crime, and it will be followed up. 
• Do an informal audit of your home or business. Can people jump on your rubbish bin and on to the roof? Is there a dark wall that doesn’t face the street and is poorly lit? Are there bins or bushes that might provide visual shelter for taggers while they graffiti?

Graffiti Removal Tips

You may not need to paint over the graffiti scribbling. If you are removing the graffiti for the first time try different methods on small areas first to see which will work best and ensure that the removal method isn’t causing damage. Try the follow methods:

• Detergent i.e. dishwashing liquid 
•  A solvent such as paint thinner, methylated spirits, or oven cleaner. BUT REMEMBER: these are hazardous cemicals, wear gloves and store away from children. 
• Sanding or water blasting. Water blasting can be particularly effective on unpainted surfaces.

A painted wall is easier to keep graffiti free because you can paint over it. Paint your wall or fence in dark colours and buy extra paint to keep for painting over graffiti .