In this part, I would like to remind you that Europe once had a civilized and effective approach to vandalism. I will highlight successful cases of combating vandalism graffiti both in Europe and beyond.

Recognizing the problem and calling things by their proper names—a violation is a violation—is the first step. Strengthening legislation is essential for building a civilized society and maintaining clean, beautiful cities.

Europe

Stockholm, Sweden

For years, Stockholm followed a strict zero-tolerance policy (before 2015) against graffiti. All administrative efforts aimed for the immediate removal of any illegal markings. The city once allocated significant funds for cleanup, set strict penalties, and refused to support any events linked to graffiti culture. It was enough to significantly reduce visible graffiti in public spaces especially on public transport.

After 2015, Stockholm’s approach to graffiti shifted somewhat. Graffiti was still largely considered illegal, but the city began to adopt a more nuanced stance.

Critics argued that it pushed graffiti into hidden areas rather than eliminating it entirely. But anyhow this scenario is much better than having all the cities covered up.

London, UK

The Criminal Damage Act 1971 defines criminal damage in England and Wales as intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging property belonging to another, without lawful excuse, and outlines the legal framework for this offense, including its definition, sentencing, and potential defenses.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act from 2003 (c. 38) provides for strict measures against illegal graffiti. Violators face up to two years in prison.

London has taken a diversified approach to combat graffiti. There was the so-called Graffiti Removal Squad, a group of volunteers, which removes graffiti from public and private property.

At the same time, the city ramped up surveillance across its public transport network, with a priority for monitoring trains and buses.

Unfortunately, over time all these law enforcements and efforts crumbled down and according to data released in 2023 under Freedom Of Information laws found councils across the UK now regularly spend six-figure sums each year removing graffiti.

In London alone, £100 million was spent in 2022 dealing with graffiti. As well as on trains, graffiti is a growing problem on roads.

Outside Europe

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne was once known for its high levels of graffiti vandalism. Instead of relying solely on punishment, the city adopted a dual approach:

Providing designated legal walls for street art, where artists have legitimate spaces for their expression.

Melbourne’s feature is their graffiti street – Hosier Lane. Located opposite Fed Square and joining Flinders Lane with Flinders Street, the cobblestoned Hosier Lane is arguably the crux of the city’s street art scene. You are more than welcome to express yourself there.

Implementing strict enforcement against unauthorized graffiti in other areas.
This helped separate artistic street art from destructive vandalism, leading to a more organized and accepted graffiti culture.

https://www.vandaltrak.com/ VandalTrak is an absolutely amazing and useful app made in Australia, it is a reporting and tracking app designed to combat graffiti vandalism by allowing users to report incidents quickly and efficiently. It enables communities, businesses, and law enforcement to document, track, and remove unauthorized graffiti. Its mission is to help maintain cleaner public spaces. The app bridges communication between authorities and the public, and that's only how graffiti management can be more effective.

London, Ontario, Canada

The Police Service of London, Ontario is composed of approximately 800 officers, 200 civilians and 22 cadets. One of their goals includes combating vandalism.

Singapore

Singapore is known for its strict anti-vandalism laws. They include heavy fines, caning, and even jail time for offenders.

Graffiti and other forms of vandalism are illegal under the Vandalism Act 1966, This act criminalizes various acts of vandalism, including writing, drawing, painting, marking, or inscribing on property without the owner’s written consent, as well as stealing, destroying, or damaging public property.

The government also promotes public cleanliness campaigns, which means that citizens more engaged in keeping their surroundings graffiti-free. As a result, Singapore has one of the lowest rates of graffiti vandalism in the world.

What we should learn

Rapid removal discourages further vandalism.

Combining enforcement with legal alternatives (like designated graffiti spaces as in Melbourne) can be effective.
Public-private cooperation is important.
Surveillance and deterrents (e.g., anti-graffiti coatings, cameras) play an important role in reducing vandalism.
Let’s keep our cities clean and beautiful. Not all graffiti is art.

Graffiti Vandalism Epidemic: Part 2 – Stories of Success