For the most part, graffiti and vandalism are crimes of opportunity. Tags are often completed during off hours in secluded areas with minimal lighting and security, therefore, taking preventative action is key.
Here are our top 5 tips for preventing graffiti:
Remove Graffiti Quickly
When you allow graffiti to linger on your property indefinitely, you’re signaling to vandals that their presence is welcome and their “artwork” will not be removed. This not only invites further recurrence, but also boosts the potential for additional forms of vandalism or other undesirable behaviours to happen in and around your property.
By removing graffiti quickly, you’re making a very clear statement – graffiti and vandalism will not be tolerated. It also gives off the perception that the building is well maintained and monitored, and this will help prevent graffiti from occurring again.
It’s important to note that while quick removal doesn’t guarantee that further tagging won’t happen in the future, keeping on top of it is significantly more effective than letting it go unmitigated.
Want the other benefits of removing graffiti quickly? Head here to learn more.
Install Functioning Security Cameras
Having visible surveillance cameras on your property is a deterrent for graffiti, vandalism and crime. Quite simply, the last thing the individuals conducting these acts wants is to get caught.
Why did we stress functioning in the section title? Many businesses and property owners install cameras that are simply for show. Although they may be a deterrence, if and when you do have an issue, they will be of little help.
If you’re going to go to the trouble of purchasing and installing the cameras, having them be fully functioning and recording is a good decision.
Invest In A Well Lit Exterior
Many property owners focus on exterior lighting installations at the entry points. This has the potential to leave large sections of your building under the cover of darkness which is an invitation to those wishing to remain unseen while vandalizing your property.
Investing in a well lit exterior is essential for preventing graffiti and other forms of vandalism. If you’re conscious of energy consumption or located close to residential buildings, you may also wish to consider motion lights.
Make Your Perimeter Inaccessible
There are few different ways that you can make the perimeter of your building inaccessible to foot traffic.
The first is landscaping and greenery. It not only adds curb appeal to your building, dense shrubs and greenery dually serve as a way to prevent graffiti. Afterall, thorny bushes make it very inconvenient for a vandal to get close enough to a surface to tag it.
You’ll also want to ensure that any hardscaping features as well as benches, roof access ladders and any other equipment is bolted down and locked so that individuals cannot use them to access areas of your property.
Lastly, depending on the style of building, you may also wish to consider adding fencing and gates to restrict access to secluded areas, especially during off hours.
Hire Overnight Security
If your property has been a graffiti hotspot, or you’ve recently experienced vandalism extending beyond graffiti, hiring security to monitor the building may be a necessary next step. This can become an expensive solution but it makes it clear to anyone hanging around your building unsolicited to find another location.
Being the target of vandalism is disheartening, however, employing these 5 tips will help to mitigate recurrence in the future.