Current Projects > Downtown Initiatives > Anti Graffiti Program
Graffiti is an expensive and defacing form of vandalism. Graffiti has been increasing in Victoria to the point where it detracts from the appearance and image of the city for both residents and visitors.
City staff has responded to this increase in graffiti by developing a comprehensive removal program. This "zero tolerance" program targets all areas of the city with the goal of removing graffiti from public property within 24 hours of finding it or receiving a report.
The City of Victoria recently enacted a stand-alone graffiti bylaw. This bylaw requires owners or occupiers of private property to remove graffiti from their property whenever it occurs and provides the City with the powers to enforce such removal. For a copy of the City of Victoria Graffiti Bylaw click here - [PDF 16KB].
What is Graffiti?
Graffiti is any writing, etching, drawing or symbol applied to any public or private property without the consent of the owner or their agent and as such is an act of vandalism and a crime.
Graffiti includes the placement - without consent - of posters or advertisements on public or private property.
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Why Should You Care?
Graffiti, if left unchecked;
- Reduces property values
- Promotes an undesirable image of our city
- Undermines residents and visitors sense of security and safety
- Destroys property
- Diverts tax dollars from the delivery of other City services
By removing graffiti quickly and consistently we are showing the pride we have in our community.
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What Can You Do When Graffiti Vandalism Occurs?
Practice the three R's.
- Report
Owners (or occupiers) of property may be unaware that their property has been vandalized. Report acts of graffiti vandalism:
- On public property, such as light poles, litter containers, benches, signs etc. by calling the City Graffiti Hotline at 361-0466
- On BC Hydro poles or electrical kiosks by calling BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO or 1-800-224-9376.
- On cablevision distribution boxes by calling Shaw Cablevision at 475-5655
- On telephone distribution boxes by calling Telus at 388-8617
- On Canada Post boxes by calling Canada Post Customer Service # at 1-888-550-6333
- Private properties, other than your own, please call the Victoria Police Department at 995-7654.
- Record
If you are a victim of graffiti vandalism it is important that you record the damage. Photographs will provide evidence should the responsible party be found and prosecuted.
The Victoria Police Department may be able to take digital photographs of the damage for you and can provide you with a "Mischief Statement" that may aid you in recovering your costs to deal with the vandalism in the event of a successful prosecution.
- Remove
Failure to remove graffiti leaves an impression that no one cares about our community. The sooner graffiti is removed, the less likely the location will be a target of continued vandalism. By removing or painting over graffiti you will discourage further graffiti from occurring. Graffiti vandals want their vandalism to be seen, once they realize that their graffiti is removed quickly from a location, they will likely move on to other locations. It may take several removals to deter the vandals however patience and persistence will pay off.
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What Can You Do To Prevent Graffiti From Occuring?
Avoid becoming the victim of graffiti vandalism:
- Restrict access to exterior walls of your building by planting thorny bushes or erecting barriers.
- Increase lighting in vulnerable areas to discourage vandals after dark.
- Use graffiti resistant coatings on exterior walls to aid in cleanup.
- If you know of someone who has committed an act of graffiti vandalism, report them to the Victoria Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
- Encourage your neighbors to watch for and report graffiti vandals.
For more information on the City of Victoria's Anti Graffiti program or tips in dealing with graffiti vandalism, please call the City Graffiti Hotline at (250) 361-0466 or send a request by email to Bill Hope.
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