Graffiti
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Introduction
Graffiti vandalism (tagging) is a community issue which can lower property values
and encourage more vandalism and other types of crime. It suggests that the neighbourhood
doesn't care and isn't able to cope with the problem. Tagging left intact attracts
more tagging.
You can take action against tagging by cleaning it up as soon as it happens.
A strong community response sends the clear message to those involved that tagging
will not be tolerated.
Free
removal service
Background
Auckland City Council is currently offering a free graffiti removal service for
residential and small business property owners unable to cope with the problem themselves.
This service is aimed at delivering a 'Zero Tolerance' approach to graffiti.
The programme is fully endorsed by the Auckland Police and is modelled on many
other successful anti-graffiti campaigns around the world.
If the graffiti appears to be an artwork ie permission was given for the work
to be done, it will not be removed.
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Eligibility criteria
This service is available to residential and small business properties that have
tagging on a wall, fence, structure or garage door which is immediately adjacent
to the road.
Important: due to budget constraints the following are not included
in this programme:
- the back of premises and areas not immediately adjacent to the road
- surfaces higher than 2 storeys
- houses/buildings within private properties
- Housing New Zealand Corporation properties as they have their own graffiti
removal programme.
- large business organisations eg banks, petrol stations, supermarkets, shopping
malls
- infrastructure owned by utility providers eg Telecom, Vector, Enerco, Tranzrail
- school structures eg. fences, accessways
- glass etching
- poster removal
- where the building is graffiti guarded with a special graffiti protection
coating. Graffiti guard coatings require the use of special chemicals that our
contractors do not carry.
Removal
If your residential and small business property meets the above
eligibility criteria you can either
Note: if the graffiti is offensive ie is racist or contains foul language
please call us immediately so we can
arrange for it to be removed as quickly as possible.
How to deter tagging
Tagging affects neighbourhoods whenever it is not promptly removed. Taggers love
to add their mark to existing graffiti. If your property is continuously being hit
there are some steps that you can take to prevent tagging:
- plant a hedge, some shrubs or a hanging plant in front of a fence or wall
- increase visibility at night by installing lighting. Lights with motion
sensors are a popular choice as they only activate when a person approaches
- install video surveillance cameras. The possibility of being caught on film
is a good deterant
- tagging is wilful damage and therefore a crime. If you see any suspicious
activity, report it to the Police. Take a note of the car license plate if possible
- if you know someone involved in graffitti crime inform your local Police
- remove graffiti as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. One tag
tends to attract other tags
- form or join your local Neighbourhood Watch Group and become involved in
local initiatives to protect areas targeted by taggers
- consider painting a mural on a communal area being targeted - it has worked
to deter graffiti in other areas and could become a community project. Your
local community board may be
able to help and advise you regarding this option
- protect exposed walls and fences with a graffiti protection product. Check
the Yellow Pages for suppliers.
Removal
tips
How you tackle the graffiti on your property will depend on:
- the material used by taggers (usually oil-based spray paint or felt-tip
pen)
- the type of surface 'tagged' (discuss removal with the supplier or manufacturer
before starting)
If you are removing graffiti for the first time, try different methods on a small
test area first. Check, before you proceed to a larger area, that the removal method
is not causing more damage.
- try to remove tags when they are fresh by using methylated spirits, turps,
paint-stripper, dishwashing liquid, branded graffiti removal products or oven
cleaner
- paint your walls or fence in dark colours. Colours that will cover in one
coat are most effective eg. green or brown. If the surface is a lighter colour
than the graffiti, you may get a ghosting effect.
- a painted wall is easier to keep graffiti free because any further tags
can simply be painted over
- clean unpainted wall or fence by sanding or waterblasting
- keep any unused fence paint and a brush handy in case you need it to cover
over tagging
- protect the driveway and footpath from paint drops and spills when painting
out tagging
- the chemicals in graffiti removal products can be hazardous so always wear
protective clothing including a mask. Store out of childrens reach.
Protected
surfaces
Graffiti protection coatings are painted on top of natural or painted surfaces
to form a protective shield. Graffiti will stick to the protective coat instead
of the normal surface.
Many different products are available and are usually either clear or sacrificial
coats. Clear coat is a long-life, hardened cover similar to a clear varnish or paint,
from which the graffiti can be wiped. Sacrificial coats are totally or partially
removed with the graffiti.
Before purchasing a graffiti protection coating, we suggest you consider the
cost and what product best suits your situation. You may require professional advice.
Warning: the manufacturers directions should be observed when working with solvents,
chemicals or machinery. Normal safety procedures should be followed. If you are
removing graffiti for the first time, try different methods on a small test area
first. Check, before you proceed to a larger area, that the removal method is not
causing more damage.
Graffiti
programmes
Auckland City Council has introduced two new graffiti initiatives as follows:
- volunteer graffiti programme
- graffiti awareness education programme.
Volunteer graffiti programme
This programme has four levels of involvement, from customers simply making a
commitment to report graffiti to being actively involved in removing graffiti tags.
Auckland City will supply the paint and brushes to individuals and groups that want
to take responsibility for specific streets and/or neighbourhoods.
Graffiti awareness education programme
This two week programme, developed by Auckland City Council for use in primary
schools is widely recognised as a valuable component of the curriculum. Fifty three
schools are now involved.
The programme
- aims to make children aware of the consequences of tagging and rewards them
for adopting areas in their neighbourhood or street to keep clean and
- also acts as a deterrent to younger vandals by making them aware that they
will be held accountable for damage they cause.
Contact us if you are interested
in taking part in either of these programmes.
Reporting graffiti
To report graffiti refer as follows:
- on power poles and transformers. Contact Vector on 0508 832 867
- on Adshel bus shelters. Contact Adshel on 0800 802 999
- on the motorway. Contact Transit NZ on 368 2000
- on bus shelters (excluding Adshel), litter bins, street furniture and in
Auckland City Council parks -
please log
a Request for service.
Updated December 2009
