Being constructive in protecting your business or residential facility from unwanted graffiti is a positive way to help yourself and to reduce the costs of their removal. If you are in a place that is often targeted for graffiti, there are several things you can do. Keep reading.
Steps
Step 1. Enhance the lighting
Graffiti artists, who have no intention of leaving their work incomplete, like to work where they cannot be seen. By increasing the lighting, you reduce the chances of your space becoming like a painter's canvas. Installing spotlights with motion sensors can be a good way to save on energy consumption, while still achieving the desired effect.
Step 2. Add security cameras
Good quality ones are expensive, but even cheaper ones have a deterrent effect, because people see them and assume they are being filmed. Place them where they are evident and make sure they are well fixed.
Step 3. Reduce ease of access
If your area is easy to access, it's probably time to take some action. Think of some methods you can use to reduce the number of people who can enter, such as a fence, barriers, the installation of a sign or a sign on the trellis that makes your property less attractive.
Step 4. Grow climbing plants
Cover the wall space with vines or espalier plants. Create a quaint corner of greenery that livens up the area and isn't as attractive as a canvas. You can even graffiti with moss!
Step 5. Rely on the neighborhood watch program (if applicable in your area)
Join this neighbors collaboration project and place the appropriate signage on your property. Make sure you do your part, as the neighbors do theirs. Attend local meetings to discuss what's going on in the neighborhood and find ideas for tackling challenges together.
Step 6. Make a preventive graffiti
Ask a good graffiti artist to draw something on your wall you'd like to see. If you are a businessman, ask him to create an advertisement for you. An already drawn wall is not inviting! If the wall is your home wall, consider a garden-themed painting or mural on all exposed areas, such as walls and fences. Geometric decorations can also serve as a deterrent, as they take away the "blank canvas" look.
Step 7. Talk to local authorities
They can suggest deterrent methods and how to remove graffiti already done. In fact, you may also have already received a takedown notice from a local authority, so it's a good idea to talk to the authorities to find out what to do if you're unsure.
Step 8. If they've already graffitied you, remove it quickly
Get in the habit of taking it off right away and attempts to smear your property will become rarer. Nobody wants their hard work to be canceled quickly.
Advice
- Be aware that local authorities may not be interested in using punitive measures against graffiti artists due to the cost. Furthermore, this would cause tension in the community and could be counterproductive. So it's best to find different solutions to provide graffiti artists with areas to paint, such as areas where their artwork is allowed, or by encouraging them by giving them good opportunities to create designs for businesses and public areas.
- If someone paints graffiti on your property, cover them up immediately. If he still paints, cover again. Chances are you can afford more paint than a graffiti artist can buy.
