reducing graffiti and vandalism

www.crimeprevention.wa.gov.au

REDUCING GRAFFITI AND VANDALISM

Graffiti and vandalism are often seen as an unavoidable nuisance. Similar to other crimes, however, there are actions that can be taken to reduce your premises vulnerability to graffiti and vandalism

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)The principles of natural access control, natural surveillance, and territorial reinforcement can be used to prevent vandalism and graffiti (see also fact sheet “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design”).

•Interruptblankwalls,whichcouldbeusedasacanvasforgraffiti,withwindowsordecorativegrates.

•Installphysicalbarriersinfrontofinvitinggraffititargets,suchashedges orthornyplants,e.g.rosebushes.

•Removeany‘naturalladders’suchaswheeliebinsthatcouldbeused to access blankwallsforgraffiti.Lockingorsecuringwheeliebinsalsoremoves a target for vandalism or arson.

•Usegratesorbarstopreventaccesstovandalismtargetssuchas displaywindows.

•Trimperimetertreesandbushestoallowpassers-bytoseesuspiciousactivitynearyourpremises.

•Installmotionactivatedlightstoallownighttimeviewoftheexteriorof yourpremises.

•Keepyourpropertyandsurroundswellmaintainedandclean–arundownpropertyinvitesfurthervandalism.

•Usesignsorgatestoshowintruderstheyhaveventuredintoprivateproperty.

•Removegraffitiquickly–quickremovalunderminesthepurposeofgraffiti,whichistoleavealonglastingvisible“tag”orsymbol.Callyourlocalcounciltoenquireabouttheirgraffitiremovalservices.

•Workwithlocalyouthorlocalartiststohaveamuralplacedonvulnerableareas–taggersarelesslikelytodefaceexistingart.

Restrict Access

Encourage Natural

Surveillance

Reinforce Your Territory

www.crimeprevention.wa.gov.au

Many materials exist to help reduce the impact of graffiti and vandalism. Contact your local Police Crime Prevention Officer to find out about:

•Graffitiresistantpaint.

•Scratchresistantglasslaminate.

•Shatterresistantglass.

•Gratesandgrills.

Ifyouwitnessanactofvandalismorgraffitioccurring,callthePolice.Graffitiandvandalismarecrimes.Itcanbehardtoidentifyperpetratorsunlesstheyarecaughtintheact.ReportingassistsPolicetoapprehendoffenders.

Reporting

REDUCING GRAFFITI AND VANDALISM

For further information and advice,pleasedonothesitatetocontactyourlocal Police Crime Prevention Officer at the Central Metropolitan Police District Crime Prevention Office on 9286 7200.Theyaremorethanhappy tovisityourpremisestoprovidefreeonsitesafetyandsecurityadviceandtrainingforyourbusinessandemployees.

Thisfactsheetcontainsgeneralguidelinesforincreasingsecurityofsmallbusinesses. Noresponsibilityisacceptedforanydamage,injuryorlossresultingfromapplicationoftheseguidelines.

Reference:“Crimepreventionkitforsmallbusiness:isyourbusinesssecure? NationalCommunityCrimePreventionProgramme,Attorney-General’sDepartment,CanberraACT2004.

Physical Deterrents