Graffitti
What is graffiti?
Why is graffitti a problem?
What action can Daventry District Council take to address graffitti?
What about graffitti on private property?
How do I report a problem with graffitti?
What is graffiti?
Graffiti relates to any drawings, tags, pictures, messages, or scribbles that are painted, written, or carved on walls, street furniture and other surfaces.
Why is graffitti a problem?
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It is unsightly - graffiti is an indication of a neglected neighbourhood and is associated with crime, e.g. anti social behaviour. It also discourages people from visiting the area.
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It is illegal - graffiti is vandalism and such a criminal act which can result in the offender being arrested.
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It is costly to remove - it costs the UK thousands of pounds to remove.
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It attracts other crimes - areas with graffiti can attract other crimes occurring in this area and heightens the fear of crime.
What action can Daventry District Council take to address graffitti?
Daventry District Council currently remove all graffiti from council owned property including litter bins, council houses and playgrounds. Any graffiti on private property or parish council owned land is the proprietors responsibility. However, if the graffitti on private land is offensive or particularly unsightly the Council can take action against the landowner to clear the graffitti.
Those who cause graffiti can be issued with a fixed penalty notice and fined £75 or if the offence is serious, or repeated the offender can be prosecuted under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 and can face up to a fine of £5000. However young offenders or those under the age of 16 may receive a community service order.
What about graffitti on private property?
Daventry District Council does not remove graffiti from private property. However if the graffitti on private land is offensive or particularly unsightly the Council can take action against the landowner to clear the graffitti.
How do I report a problem with graffitti?
To report an instance of graffiti use the Contact us link below. Alternatively, you can download the Environmental Crime Reporting Booklet, complete it and return it to the Council. If you know of an offender report them to us through the hotline or online and we will where possible undertake an enforcement investigation. However if you witness someone vandalising property with graffiti do not approach them but record all necessary details and report them to the council or Police when possible. Road signs and lamp posts are the responsibility of Northamptonshire County Council. Please report any graffiti on this property to them on 0845 601 1113 or be visiting their website on http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/
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