How graffiti affects you
Graffiti contributes to reduced retail sales, a decline in property values, and citizen fear. A business littered with graffiti is less likely to be patronised.
How to prevent graffiti
Ongoing Upkeep
Make every effort to keep the appearance of a facility clean and neat. Littered parking lots, graffiti, broken fences, overgrown landscaping, and poor lighting all send a message to vandals that business owners or residents are not attentive or do not care about their property. Demonstrate clear ownership of the area and keep the site well maintained, free of weeds, litter and damage with the grass mown. This will indicate that someone cares for the site and that vandalism will not be tolerated.
Rapid Removal
Rapid and continual removal of graffiti is the best way for businesses and commercial property owners to protect the image of their street and preserve customers' sense of security.
The prompt removal will discourage further attacks on your property. If graffiti is a recurring problem in a certain area, consider a protective coating on the surface with a product that will prevent graffiti from penetrating a porous surface. Applying permanent coatings can be hazardous and is a job that should be completed by a specialist contractor.
Another option may be to repaint the site in a dark colour to help deter graffiti vandals as graffiti shows up better on light coloured surfaces.
Control access
Designing fences that are an effective barrier to graffiti, such as those used to enclose swimming pools. Installing sprinkler systems along garden beds that adjoin ‘high risk’ walls, these can be set to go off at times when graffitists are most active. However, this is not highly recommended due to water restrictions. Garden planting, such as vines and fast growing creepers are economical ways to protect walls and fences and make the site less accessible.
Step up security
Install sensor lighting; graffiti vandals are reluctant to work in well lit places.
Work with the community
If you are going away on holiday ask a relative or a friend to clear a letterbox and to spend some time around your home. Make your home more lived in.
What can I do if my business is hit with graffiti?
You can now report graffiti by calling the Graffiti Reporting Line or alternatively email graffiti@wyndham.vic.gov.au
How should graffiti be removed?
Ease of removal depends on the type of surface. For further assistance and advice please contact Council's Graffiti Project Officer on 9742 8140.