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Where am I now? Lawlink > Stop graffiti vandalism > FAQs
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FAQs
What is graffiti vandalism?
How is a community affected by graffiti vandaliam?
Is all graffiti vandalism the same?
How do I remove graffiti vandalism?
How do I prevent graffiti vandalism?
What should I do if I see someone committing graffiti vandalism?
Who do I report graffiti vandalism to?
What is graffiti vandalism?
The term ‘Graffiti vandalism’ generally refers to illegally defacing private and public property with markings and/or graphics without the owners consent.
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How is a community affected by graffiti vandalism?
In addition to the monetary costs of graffiti vandalism removal and prevention, there are also the environmental and physical harms to consider. Graffiti vandalism and graffiti removal involve chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. These same chemicals can affect the physical well-being of perpetrators of graffiti vandalism. Currently these harms are not measured.
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Is all graffiti vandalism the same?
There are a number of different types of graffiti vandalism:
- Tags: A tag is the writer's signature. Written in one colour, it is done with curves and letter deformations. Tags are not confined to spray paint, they may be written in marker pens or etched on glass.
- Throw-ups: A throw-up is usually writing with solid or bubble style lettering. It is similar to a tag in that it showcases the writer’s ‘signature’.
- Pieces: Short for the word masterpiece, pieces are large-scale, multicoloured features, which may include characters, backgrounds and letters. Pieces are intended to be complete art works and are most often done with spray paint.
- Bombing: Tags, throw ups and pieces are done in a spree. As much as possible is done as quickly as possible.
- Etching: There are two types of etching graffiti. The first, acid etching involves graffiti using paints containing acid or other chemicals that can eat into the surface. The paints are those primarily used to create frosted glass. The second is "Dutch" graffiti which involves scratching graffiti into the surface with a sharpened tool or object.
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How do I remove graffiti?
For information on graffiti removal go to the removing graffiti page on this website or download Fact sheet 6: Graffiti removal and paint-out options.
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How do I prevent graffiti vandalism?
For information on graffiti vandalism prevention go to the preventing graffiti vandalism page on this website or download Fact sheet 5 - Preventing graffiti vandalism – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
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What should I do if I see someone committing graffiti vandalism?
Report to the Police
Contact the police to report graffiti vandalism and ask police to complete an incident report. In NSW, graffiti vandalism can be reported to the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444. If you have information regarding graffiti vandals or people acting suspiciously, you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Remove graffiti quickly
Rapid and continual removal of graffiti vandalism is the best way for property owners to protect their property and preserve the image of their neighbourhood. Removing graffiti within 24 to 48 hours makes removal easier and more effective and reduces the notoriety for graffiti vandals that results from having the graffiti vandalism on display. See Fact sheet 6 – Graffiti removal options for more information.
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Who do I report graffiti vandalism to?
Call the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444. PAL allows you to report crime over the phone.
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