Graffiti

• Getting a Grip on Graffiti
• Graffiti Removal
• Graffiti Removal Service for Private Property
• Report Graffiti to Victoria Police
• New Graffiti Laws - They affect everyone!

If you see graffiti on Council owned assets please let us know. By completing the online feedback form we will be able to arrange for the removal of the graffiti.

Council assets include:

• Council signage
• Bus shelters
• Park and street furniture
• Public toilets
• Sporting pavilions
• Other Council buildings
• Roads and footpaths

Click on the link below to download brochure "Getting a Grip on Graffiti".

Click on the link below to view Banyule Council's Graffiti Management Strategy 2005-07.

Getting a Grip on Graffiti

You can minimise the potential for graffiti to occur on your property by reviewing the design and maintenance of your property.

Large blank walls or fences attract the most graffiti, try to avoid these and use the following ideas:

• Plant fast growing vines or bushes, spikey plants such as bouganvillea are very effective.
• Install sensor lighting.
• Use darker colours rather than light.
• Avoid even surfaces.
• Where possible, use tinted anti graffiti coating.

Graffiti Removal

Remove graffiti as soon as possible.  It will be easier to remove and discourages vandals attacking again.

Painted surfaces

Painting over graffiti is the best method of removal.  If the graffiti "bleeds through", apply silver paint then paint that area again.

Unpainted surfaces

Some common household cleaners will remove graffiti, depending on the surface.  These include:

• Liquid or powder cleanser
• Foam oven cleaner
• Detergent
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Turpentine
• Methylated Spirits

Always test a small patch first, start with milder cleaners, such as detergents.  If these do not work, use something stronger like methylated spirits or turpentine.

For the more complex situations and professtional help please refer to Council's Graffiti Removal Service for Private Property (link below).

Graffiti Removal Service for Private Property

To protect your property against graffiti, Banyule City Council is pleased to provide a new referral service to local residents and businesses.

If you have graffiti on your home or business, please contact any of the following panel of contractors directly:

*  The Graffiti Eaters (ph): 1300 305 307
*  G&M Little (ph):  0438 122 007
*  Keith Davidson Graffiti Removalist (ph): 0403 193 311

Please note: this is not a free service and you are required to negotiate rates and other requirements with the contractors directly, Banyule City Council accepts no liability for the rates, works or any other matter whatsoever.

Report Graffiti to Victoria Police

For tag identification and potential court restitution for costs, report the incident to your local police, this will help them apprehend offenders.

Keep a record of the cost, you may be able to claim the expenses on your insurance.

Heidelberg Police Station - Phone: 9450 8000
Greensborough Police Station - Phone: 9435 1044
Heidelberg West Police Station - Phone: 9457 5777

New Graffiti Laws - They affect everyone!

The Graffiti Prevention Act (Vic) 2007 became law in April 2008. You may have seen the billboards on train and tram stops about ‘on the spot fines of $550 for carrying a spray paint can’ 

In the past, graffiti was not recognised as an offence on its own, it was treated as vandalism. In April 2008 graffiti became illegal in its own right, and specific offences and penalties were put in place.  

The new offences:
It is illegal to graffiti without the property owners consent. This means you could be imprisoned for up to 2 years or get a fine of up to $26,428. 

Its illegal to mark graffiti that is offensive to a reasonable person, even with consent. This means you could be imprisoned for up to 2 years or get a fine of up to $26,428. 

It is illegal to have spray paint (e.g. cans) on or around public transport without a lawful excuse. This means you could be fined up to $2,753 or an on-the-spot fine of up to $550.  

It is illegal to have a “graffiti implement” with the intention of graffiti. i.e. markers This could mean a fine of up to $2,753.

New purchasing laws:
From June 2008 anyone under 18 wanting to purchase spray paint must show proof (a letter or a statutory declaration from their employer) that they need the paint for work. Retailers can request photo ID/proof of age.

New police search powers:
Under the new laws, police also have the power (without a warrant) to search a person for spray paint.These searches apply to anyone aged from 14 to 17. Police can inspect your bag, ask you to remove a coat, hat and shoes and also conduct a ‘pat down’ search.  

You will need to give them your name and address if asked. While conducting a search, police must identify themselves by their name, rank and what station they come from and show you their photo ID. You can ask for their info in writing. 

If you want further info on any of these laws visit the Department of Justice website, alternatively you can contact Youthlaw on 9611 2412 or check out the website at www.youthlaw.asn.au

Some fact sheets about the Graffiti Prevention Act 2007 are available below.

If you’d like to find out about legal street art programs, contact Youth Services at Banyule Council on 9457 9855