Graffiti

You can report graffiti online.

Report graffiti

The council will only remove graffiti from its own property such as underpasses, buildings and other public areas managed by the council.

Underpasses

There are 76 underpasses and 4 foot bridges in Bracknell Forest. Many of them have been decorated with murals and most have a protective graffiti-resistant coating.

The council’s street cleansing contractor routinely removes any graffiti seen in underpasses during the course of their work. Most graffiti will be removed within 48 hours from being notified. If the graffiti is offensive it will be cleared as soon as possible and within 24 hours.

Utility boxes

Graffiti found on street utility boxes is the responsibility of the relevant telecom or electricity company. If you are not sure who owns a utility box and there is no contact details on the box, you will find that most boxes have a manhole cover in front of them that will show the name of the company that owns the box.

Bus shelters

Some bus shelters are managed by a private contractor on behalf of the council and some are owned by parish and town councils. Contact Customer Services for more information.

Private property

The owner of a private property is responsible for cleaning graffiti. This includes the backs of privately owned fences and walls, where they face out onto public land.

Only in exceptional circumstances can the local authority assist in cleaning graffiti from private property, if we have the appropriate equipment for the work. The property owner remains responsible and is required to pay for the work.

The law

Graffiti is an offence of criminal damage and if prosecuted the offender could face a fine or even imprisonment.

Those caught causing graffiti can be prosecuted under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. If the damage caused is less than £5,000 the maximum fine is £5,000. Young offenders may be given a community service order.

Local authorities can issue fixed penalty notices for offences of graffiti.

Under 16s are not permitted to buy aerosol paint cans.

If you know of any person who is causing graffiti call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.