Graffiti removal and reporting
Find out how to report, prevent and remove graffiti. Pick up a free removal kit and learn about legal street art.
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What is graffiti?
Graffiti is any drawing, painting, writing, symbol or mark applied to a property without the owner’s permission.
It includes:
- scratchings
- symbols
- etchings
- paintings
- pen markings
- artwork
- stickers
- posters
- fliers
- tags.
It can sometimes include a unique tag, which acts as the artist’s signature.
Graffiti is a form of vandalism and should be reported.
Report graffiti
Graffiti can impact local businesses, property values and a community’s sense of safety.
Report it as soon as possible.
Report graffiti on private property
If you own a property that has been graffitied or are witnessing an incident now:
- phone Policelink on 131 444
- visit Policelinkopens in a new tab (upload photos of the graffiti, including any tags)
- phone 000 (for emergencies only).
Report graffiti on Council property
To report graffiti on Council buildings, property or infrastructure:
- phone Council 07 3403 8888
- complete our online formopens in a new tab.
Other graffiti reporting options
You can also contact Council to report graffiti:
- that has been on a property for a while
- on a property with an unknown owner
- on a property not owned by a large organisation (e.g. Telstra or Queensland Rail).
If you see graffiti on the property of one of the following organisations, phone the relevant number.
If you have information about graffiti offenders, contact:
- Policelink on 131 444
- Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
Graffiti removal
Try to remove graffiti from your property as soon as possible. The longer it remains on a surface, the more difficult it is to remove.
If you’re removing graffiti from a local heritage place, contact Council before your start.
You can remove graffiti with:
- paint
- chemical removal products
- high pressure water blasting.
When choosing a removal method, consider the:
- surface affected
- age of the graffiti
- type of paint or pen used.
Not sure which removal method to use for a particular surface? Download our guide to the best methods for different surfaces.
Prevention tips
There are many ways you can make your property less of a target for graffiti.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles use design to create safer neighbourhoods.
Use the following CPTED tips to prevent graffiti at your home or business.
Make your property visible
- Use security lights and adequate lighting in your outdoor areas.
- Make the view to your property as clear as possible using ‘see through’ fencing (i.e. non-continuous materials – widely spaced pickets).
- Install surveillance cameras to watch over high-risk areas. Make sure the cameras suit the environment you plan to use them in (i.e. outdoor/indoor and day/night cameras).
Control access to your property
- Remove or restrict access to natural ladders around your property (i.e. bins and trees).
- Incorporate plants, such as vegetation and hedges, in front of walls and structures.
- Secure dark-coloured fencing made from non-continuous materials.
Create clear boundaries
- Make sure it’s clear who owns the property (e.g. if you own a business, ensure your business name is clear and legible on the front of the property).
- Use fences, landscaping, signs, lighting or surface changes to define public, semi-public and private spaces.
You can also:
- maintain your premises and keep your property in good condition
- replace otherwise continuous, blank surfaces with murals and legal art.
