Graffiti attracts graffiti
Graffiti on your property should be removed as soon as it appears. Graffiti on a wall or building attracts increased vandalism and more graffiti and may spread to other areas of your own, or your neighbours property.
Plants that fight back
Where a wall or object is a target for graffiti vandals, the answer may be as easy as some well-positioned plants. By covering a wall or object with a climbing plant such as the Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) you remove the object that is being graffitied, you may also plant shrubs or small trees along the object or create a hedge. By using plants that have spikes the plants can fight back, when used in areas near an object that attracts vandals you are making it less likely that vandals will try to get to the object.
Don’t provide a blank canvas
A large straight wall of the one material without breaks, inclusions or interesting points is offering the vandals a blank canvas to paint on. A wall or fence that is a large expanse of the one material and colour without any breaks or inclusions is just teasing the vandals and providing the perfect place for them to place their graffiti. When designing buildings, walls and fences consideration should be made to reducing the expanse of the wall or fence, providing inclusions, landscaping, breaks and points of interest, these items not only make your wall much more attractive to the streetscape but also reduces the chance of the structure being vandalised.
Lighting
Graffiti vandals tend to prefer properties and objects that are dimly lit at night. Increasing lighting within vandalised areas and installation of bright sensor lights can prevent vandals.
Maintenance
A well maintained property with a good looking garden will be less likely to be vandalised or attacked by graffiti vandals than a run down or dilapidated property with overgrown weeds and gardens. Make sure that you maintain your garden and lawn, do not leave rubbish or old furniture within your property and keep your buildings, walls and fences properly maintained.
Businesses, shops and commercial areas
In addition to the methods described above there are a few additional methods that businesses, shops and commercial areas can utilise that will not only prevent graffiti, but also make the area more attractive to customers.
- Ensure windows (including shop windows) are kept clear and have high visibility to the outside and vice versa.
- Provide attractive window displays; show off your premium product or the latest special. Keep posters and written information to a minimum and up to date.
- Clean any graffiti as soon as it appears (including within awnings, roller doors and areas that are not visible during open hours)
- Remove posters, excess advertising material and other obstructions from the frontage of the building including windows and walls. If this material is necessary they may be placed in temporary displays that are taken in when the property is closed.
- Provide lighting to the shopfront and under awnings and encourage your neighbours to do so. If the area is bright and easily visible to neighbours and passing vehicles your frontage is less attractive to graffiti vandals. If your windows are clear at night leave some lights on at the front of the shop that brighten the street.
- Report the vandalism to the police each time, although they may not respond directly, if their records indicate high vandalism within an area they may increase patrols and police on the beat.
- Ensure your property has a neat and tidy appearance, both day and night.