Graffiti/Vandalism
Reporting, Removal & Prevention

HOW TO REPORT GRAFFITI

Graffiti is vandalism. Graffiti is created to be seen by others, so the best thing you can do if it appears on your property is to report it, and then paint it out thoroughly and immediately.

The City of Seattle takes graffiti seriously and has numerous ways to fight the problem. Seattle Public Utilities has a comprehensive site about all the steps you can take.

• To report graffiti noticed on public property call the City of Seattle’s Hotline at (206) 684-7587 or use the online report form.

• To report graffiti that has appeared on your property, please use the police non-emergency number (206) 625-5011 to make a report.

• To report an act of graffiti or vandalism in progress, please call 9-1-1.

HOW TO PREVENT AND FIGHT GRAFFITI

Of course, the best way to fight against graffiti is to take prevention steps and to cover over graffiti quickly if it does occur.

• Create, join an existing, local chamber of commerce or merchant's association to develop strategies to deal with this type of crime.

• Paint over graffiti and repair vandalism immediately. The best way to remove graffiti is to paint the entire wall (or up to seven feet high), making a straight line across the top with a color that matches the wall. This leaves no trace of graffiti and does not draw the attention of the vandals. If that is not possible, use a closely matched color blocked over the graffiti in neat, square shapes.

• Keep the neighborhood clean.

• Make sure a sign is visibly displayed at each business.

• Develop a Neighborhood Business Watch system.

• Report vandalism to the police.

Graffiti is created to be seen by others. By removing it promptly, the vandal loses their "reward," making them less likely to vandalize your property again.