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.
On this page
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 Policelink (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 form.
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.
When using chemicals and paints to remove graffiti, make sure you:
- wear protective equipment including eye protection
- follow the product manufacturers’ instructions
- don't let any run-off enter the stormwater or waterways
- keep chemicals and paints away from children and animals
- dispose of the chemicals, paints and any other products used in the removal process safely.
It’s the responsibility of the owner or occupier to remove graffiti on private property. This includes residential, commercial and industrial premises.
Offensive graffiti should be removed or covered up immediately. This includes any graffiti that is hateful, racist, politically offensive, insulting, defamatory or inappropriate.
If Council receives a complaint about graffiti on your property, we may issue a Removal Notice. Under the notice, you must remove or cover the graffiti within 14 days.
We issue this notice under the Health, Safety and Amenity Local Law 2021. If you don’t comply with the notice, we may:
- issue a fine
- remove the graffiti and issue an invoice for all associated removal costs.
You can discuss graffiti removal and long-term management plans with Council. To request specialist advice, phone Council 07 3403 8888.
If you’re affected by graffiti, you can get a free removal kit for your home or business.
The kit contains:
- safety glasses
- chemical resistant gloves
- heavy duty remover
- instructions and safety guidelines.
In person
Pick up a kit at your local ward office or Council Customer Centre.
You must provide proof of residency in the Council area, such as a rates account or driver’s licence.
Online
Request a kit using the online form if:
- you can't collect a kit from a Council location
- you've tried graffiti removal without success
- your graffiti is on a painted or porous material (not brick)
- you'd like technical removal advice about removal.
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.
Helpful links
Frequently asked questions
Yes, graffiti is illegal. Defacing property with graffiti is punishable by law.
Property owners must remove graffiti in accordance with Council directions to avoid fines.
Graffiti is an act of vandalism that is done illegally and without permission. Legal street art, urban art and murals are authorised or commissioned works with aims to enhance a public space.
You can find legal street art on certain traffic signal boxes, walls, pillars and bridge structures across Brisbane.
Discover more about legal street art in our city.