Graffiti Prevention

Graffiti impacts the look and feel of our city. It is any writing, etching, drawing or symbol applied to any public or private property without the owner’s consent. Graffiti is a form of vandalism and a crime that detracts from Victoria’s image for residents and visitors. 

Removing graffiti quickly and consistently is a way of showing pride in the community. Graffiti, if left unchecked:

  • reduces property values
  • promotes an undesirable image of the city
  • undermines residents’ and visitors’ sense of security
  • can lead to more graffiti

Everyone has a role in keeping Victoria vibrant and clean. City crews remove graffiti from public property. The City's Property Maintenance Bylaw requires property owners to remove graffiti from their private property. 

This rack card provides helpful information on how to report, prevent and remove graffiti. A link to the PDF is available below.

How to Report, Remove and Prevent Graffiti

Here's what residents, businesses and property owners can do to report, remove and prevent graffiti in Victoria. This information is also available on the Graffiti rack card.

REPORT 

  • Report graffiti in progress by calling 911.  
Private Property:
  • Report graffiti on your private property: 
    • Take a photo of the entire tag. Include any small initials or markings around the edges. 
    • Make a note of the date, time and location.  
    • Check if there is any security camera footage. 
    • Submit a graffiti crime report online to VicPD.
    • Fill out this online form(select "Private Property" and the problem sub-type: "Graffiti") or email Bylaw Services at bylawservices@victoria.ca with "Reporting a Bylaw Violation: Private Property" in the subject line.
  • You can also report graffiti on private property owned by BC Hydro, Canada Post, Telus, Shaw or on Pattison bus shelters by contacting them directly at the following phone numbers: 
    • BC Hydro poles and boxes, call 1.800.224.9376
    • Canada Post boxes, call 1.888.550.6333
    • Telus phone booths or boxes, call 250.388.8617
    • Shaw cable boxes, call 250.475.5655
    • Pattison Outdoor bus shelters, call 250.413.3212
Public Property:
  • Report graffiti on public property by calling the City’s Graffiti Hotline at 250.361.0466.

REMOVE

  • Keep eco-friendly cleaning products and rags on hand to quickly remove graffiti tags. 
  • Learn how to remove graffiti from painted and unpainted masonry on historic buildings. See below for more information.
  • Contact the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) Clean Team for assistance with graffiti removal at 250.386.2238. 

PREVENT 

  • Consider installing motion detector lighting and/or cameras and plantings to restrict access. 
  • Use eco-friendly, graffiti-resistant coating on exterior walls to make clean-up easier. 
  • The Securing Small Business Rebate program provides small businesses with funds for vandalism repairs and preventative measures. Eligible businesses can receive up to $2,000 per year for reparative costs and up to $1,000 for preventative measures. Applications are retroactive from January 1, 2023 and will be accepted until January 31, 2025 or until program funds are fully allocated.
  • Explore grants offered by the DVBA:
    • Enhance Downtown Victoria Grant - for up to 20 per cent of the cost for murals and public arts installations
    • Business Facade Improvement Program - a partnership between the City and DVBA to provide financial support (reimbursement of 20 per cent of costs to a maximum of $2,500) for businesses or property owners to improve the look and feel of commercial properties.
    • Security and/or Vandalism Grant - funding for businesses to set up security cameras, upgrade locks, install anti-shatter window films, etc. 
  • Consider working with a local artist to paint a mural on your building to deter graffiti:

How to Remove Graffiti from Historic Buildings