Return to normal view

Prevent Graffiti

Graffiti prevention measures aim to reduce the opportunities for offending as well as encourage ownership and observation of areas by residents and casual users as a means of discouraging vandalism. Graffiti prevention is also referred to as designing out crimeand Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design(CPTED).

The success of graffiti prevention measures depends on the extent of the graffiti problem as well as the suitability of the solution. Local problems need local solutions. Each community will have its own issues that will influence how they respond to graffiti vandalism.

The Graffiti Prevention and Removal Grants program is a Community Crime Prevention Program initiative, which funds councils to partner with communities to prevent and remove graffiti.

There are a number of other preventative measures for councils and communities to consider:

• graffiti hotlines, with dedicated phone numbers for residents and businesses to report graffiti
• free or discounted graffiti removal services for residents and retailers
• free or discounted graffiti removal kits, paint and anti-graffiti coatings
• support for community groups interested in addressing graffiti, including Adopt-a-Space and Care-for-an-Area projects
• education and diversionary programs to help raise young people's awareness of the impacts of graffiti.

Adopt-a-Space and Care-for-an-Area projects commonly develop from a community concern about a particular location, such as a local park, street, bus shelter, shopping strip. Community members rally together to clean-up and maintain the area. 

CPTED incorporates crime prevention principles into the design of public spaces to reduce the likelihood of crime. Although CPTED is most commonly included in the design phase, it can be used to modify existing spaces and minimise crimes on or against private property.