Graffiti

Graffiti is an illegal, anti-social activity that creates a negative impression of an area and contributes to people's fear of crime.

Graffiti refers to any drawings, scribbles, messages or 'tags' that are painted, written or carved on walls and other surfaces. It can attract littering and vandalism, cause residents to lose pride in their area, and make a neighbourhood feel unsafe. Clearing graffiti requires specialist machinery and is expensive.

Prosecutions and legal action

Graffiti is an environmental crime. The law allows our Enforcement Officers to give anyone seen doing graffiti an on-the-spot fine called a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £80. If you are prosecuted in court for graffiti you could receive a maximum fine of up to £2,500, or even a prison term.

Apply for graffiti wipes

Graffiti wipes are offered to street champion volunteers, register as a Street Champion to apply for graffiti wipes via champions@croydon.gov.uk. 
 

Reporting graffiti 

The council is currently prioritising town centres and offensive graffiti removal.

You can report graffiti online using the Love Clean Streets app or website.

Start now

Please note:

  • You will need to include a photograph of the graffiti when you submit the form.
  •  You will need to select the correct graffiti category depending on whether it is abusive or offensive. 

What do we consider to be offensive graffiti?

  • Graffiti using racist or inflammatory words/images
  • Graffiti used as a form of attack against an individual or group of people
  • Graffiti containing swear words
  • Graffiti containing sexually explicit/obscene words or images

How soon will we remove graffiti?

We aim to remove offensive graffiti as soon as possible. 

Graffiti on private property

We do not remove graffiti on private property. If you know who owns the property, please contact them directly.

We receive many requests to remove graffiti on property owned by these organisations: