Graffiti

Graffiti vandalism or tagging is a problem that affects your community. Tagging left intact attracts more tagging.

You can take action against tagging by removing it as soon as it happens.  A strong community response sends the clear message to those involved, that tagging will not be tolerated.

It just takes energy and a caring community to win the battle, along with a range of paint colours — littering the city with grey paint is not the answer.

Gisborne police have recorded 701 hot spots hit by taggers since 2007. 

Report it and remove it

You can help discourage tagging by taking action quickly - remove the tagging as soon as possible.

Try to keep an eye on groups acting suspiciously.  Most tagging offenders are aged 10-21 years old.
Call the Police on 111 as soon as you see someone in the act of tagging.

Get as many facts as you can that will assist the police, including:

• a physical description of the offender
• a good description of the tagging such as paint colour and words
• vehicle number plate and description
• take a photo that clearly show the tagging

Tagging is not just a police or council problem, it's a community issue best tackled together. Crime can't survive in a community that cares. Remember, taggers get away with graffiti because people are reluctant to get involved.

If you find graffiti on your own private property contact your local police station

How to deter tagging

Tagging affects neighbourhoods whenever it's not promptly removed. Taggers add their mark to existing graffiti. If your property is continuously being hit, here's some steps that you can take to prevent tagging:  

• plant a hedge or shrubs in front of a fence or wall
• install lighting - motion sensors are a good choice as they only activate when a person approaches
• install video surveillance cameras - the possibility of being caught on film is a good deterrent
• tagging is wilful damage and therefore a crime. If you see any suspicious activity, report it to the police
• if you know someone involved in graffiti crime inform the police
• remove graffiti as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours -one tag tends to attract other tags
• form or join your local neighbourhood watch group and become involved in local initiatives to protect areas targeted by taggers
• protect exposed walls and fences with a graffiti protection product -check the 'yellow pages' for suppliers

If you’re building a new fence, remember that solid panel fences can invite tagging, consider:

• planting a hedge 
• put up an open wire fence or pool type fencing
• use a rough-cast finish
• spaced timber battens or patterns  

For walls, consider the surface finish and how easy it will be to remove any tagging.

Removal tips

Try to remove tags when they are fresh by using methylated spirits, turps, paint-stripper, dish washing liquid, branded graffiti removal products or oven cleaner.

Paint your walls or fence in dark colours. Colours that will cover in one coat are most effective such as green or brown. a painted wall is easier to keep graffiti free because any further tags can be painted over.

Clean an unpainted wall or fence by sanding or water-blasting. 

Keep any unused fence paint and have a brush handy in case you need it to cover over tagging.

Reporting graffiti

To report graffiti on:

• private property - ring the police.
• telephone cabinets - contact Chorus' vandalism hotline 0800 222 638.
• power poles and transformer boxes – contact Eastland Network 06 869 0700 or email info@eastland.co.nz
• council property or assets such as bus shelters (except the InterCity bus shelter in Grey Street), litterbins, parking meters, street furniture, public toilets, road signs, street lights, traffic barriers, bridges, council buildings, monuments or statues - please tell us by filling in an online request for service.
• your neighbours property – have a chat with them, they may not realise it’s there.

Pamphlets and related website

Local Government NZ website

How to stop graffiti guide (2MB)

Pamphlet - Graffiti prevention tips (1.4MB)