Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I report graffiti?
- My property has been 'tagged' with graffiti. What should I do?
- How can I keep my building from becoming a graffiti target?
- Who is responsible for removing graffiti from public property?
- Why is it so important to remove graffiti as soon as possible?
- Is graffiti a sign of gang-related activity?
›› Don't see your question answered here? Call 3-1-1.
How do I report graffiti?
- If the painting is in progress, call 911.
- If you see graffiti on your property or anywhere else in your neighbourhood, call 311.
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My property has been 'tagged' with graffiti. What should I do?
There are several clean-up options available to you, including:
- Report graffiti to the police by calling the non emergency number at 604-717-3321>
- Remove the graffiti yourself.
- Hire a professional graffiti removal company to remove it for you.
- Remember, as a property owner it is your responsibility to remove graffiti from your building.
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How can I keep my building from becoming a graffiti target?
There are several ways to deter graffiti. Some suggestions are:
- Commercial products are available that make cleaning graffiti easier. Apply a protective coating on your walls, which facilitates graffiti removal (but will not repel graffiti).
- Move objects such as dumpsters, ladders and vehicles away from buildings to keep taggers from getting onto rooftops.
- Install motion detector lights to discourage vandals from tagging in the light.
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Who is responsible for removing graffiti from public property?
The City of Vancouver is responsible for removing graffiti from public places such as city buildings, light poles, signs, and other public amenities.
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Why is it so important to remove graffiti as soon as possible?
Delays in removal tend to encourage graffiti vandals to expand the graffiti to adjacent properties. In this way, graffiti can act as a magnet and attract more graffiti to the area. Graffiti may still re-occur a few times, be persistent since the graffiti vandals are looking for exposure and they will give up on your property.
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Is graffiti a sign of gang-related activity?
Not necessarily. Less that five per cent of all graffiti in Vancouver is associated with gangs -- the other 95% is known as "tagging." Taggers will sometimes work individually or form crews who put their tags or monikers on as many places as possible.
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