Graffiti

THE PROBLEM

Graffiti takes various forms and can be daubed on any surface using such things as spray paint, gloss paint, marker pens and wax crayons. Some graffiti can be relatively easy to remove by hand spray and wipes, whilst other graffiti needs specialist solvents and high pressure hot water equipment to remove.

Graffiti is a Crime - Seen it? Report it: 0116 252 7001

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP GRAFFITI?

Avoid having outside walls painted white where possible - it's a canvas for graffiti.

Apply pebble dash type surfaces for walls rather than smooth rendered concrete.

Create shrubberies against walls to restrict access to wall surfaces.

Prevent access to roofs by coating drainpipes with nondrying paint.

Secure fencing around the property to limit easy access.

Install security cameras.

Coat walls with a suitable graffiti resistant coating.

For further help and advice on graffiti removal contact Leicester City Council Customer Services on 0116 252 7001.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REMOVE GRAFFITI?

Non-porous surfaces

Glass, metal and painted wood surfaces such as doors, shutters, litter bins and street furniture are non-porous surfaces. The simplest way is to overpaint a painted surface, but if the graffiti needs to be removed then you can use a graffiti remover kit.

Test an area first by spraying on the graffiti remover, agitate with a scourer and then remove with a wiping cloth (full instructions are provided with the graffiti removal product). If the graffiti is removed, proceed to clean the remaining area. If it does not remove the graffiti, contact Customer Services on 0116 252 7001 for further advice.

Porous surfaces

Brick, stone and concrete surfaces absorb the graffiti and normally need specialist solvents and high pressure hot water equipment to remove, please contact Customer Services on 0116 252 7001 for advice.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I KEEP GETTING GRAFFITI ON MY PROPERTY?

Remove graffiti as soon as it appears - immediate removal discourages vandals.

Have matching paint available for instant removal to painted surfaces.

Report graffiti as soon as you see it - don't wait for someone else to report it.

Make it easier to remove using surface treatments that can be applied to make removal easier.

Take action - if you have regular graffiti attacks, the Council can use their surveillance team to identify and prosecute graffiti vandals.

Contact Leicester City Council Customer Services for advice and guidance on 0116 252 7001.