Graffiti & VANDALISM - REPORTING, REMOVAL AND PREVENTION
Graffiti is any marking placed on public or private property without the owner's permission. Stickers are also illegal.
How to report graffiti
Graffiti is vandalism without permission. 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, document it, and then clean it up thoroughly and immediately.
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To report an act of graffiti or vandalism in progress, call 9-1-1.
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To report graffiti noticed on somebody else's property, or public property call the City of Seattle’s Hotline at (206) 684-7587 or use the online report form.
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To report graffiti that has appeared on your property, please use the police non-emergency number (206) 625-5011 to make a report.
If the graffiti is on your property
Once you have reported the graffiti, if the graffiti is on your property or business the graffiti nusiance ordinance requires that you remove or have it removed in a timely manner.
Specific steps on how to remove graffiti is at the Seattle Public Utilities page.
HOW TO PREVENT GRAFFITI
For Business Owners
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Create or join an existing local chamber of commerce or merchant's association to develop strategies to deal with this type of crime.
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Make sure a sign identifying the business is visibly displayed at each shop front.
- Additional prevention tips at Seattle Public Utilities site.
For Property Owners
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Keep the neighborhood clean to send the message that you care about the neighborhood.
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Join a Neighborhood Block Watch Program.
- Additional prevention tips at Seattle Public Utilities site.
