Thurrock does not have, nor does it plan to have, a legal graffiti wall. The Council regards graffiti as an act of criminal damage and adopts a zero tolerance approach, to protect public and private property.
As well as damaging property, graffiti / tagging also causes intimidation and fear of crime. It generates a cycle of disrespect that can lead to more excessive forms of vandalism, anti-social behaviour and crime.
Essex Police arrest those caught tagging or carrying spray cans and our Community Protection Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) also have the legislative powers to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone caught defacing public or private property.
The Council is providing a limited amount of free graffiti removal products to deal with small areas of graffiti that can be removed without the need for high pressure washing. These DIY Graffiti Removal Kits are available to recognised community groups and associations to assist volunteers in keeping their local vicinity clear of small graffiti markings.
To request a kit please download and complete a DIY Graffiti Removal Request Form, and return to the council.
DIY Graffiti Removal Request Form (PDF 17.6kB)
[ see how to access PDF files ]
Thurrock Council offers a free graffiti removal service to private residents. It also offers an anti-graffiti coating service, please note a charge will be made for this service. Removal from private residential property will only take place upon the signed completion of a Graffiti Removal Agreement Form (see below).
Businesses will be charged for the Council's Graffiti Removal Service. Call 01375 652652 for more information and to arrange a quote.
Thurrock Council aims to remove racist/sexist/offensive graffiti within 24 hours of receiving a removal request. Removal of this type of graffiti will be free to both private residents and businesses.
To help Thurrock Council respond quickly, it must have the owner's agreement to access the property and remove the graffiti. Please complete the agreement form. Note - the graffiti must be accessible.
All graffiti is to be removed in accordance with Health and Safety limitations and within removal guidelines according to the surface, for example it might not be possible to remove graffiti at certain levels; graffiti will be removed from surfaces only where the surface material permits. In the first instance the council aims to remove graffiti, if this is not possible the area will be painted in a 'best match' colour.
Graffiti Removal Agreement Form (PDF 232.3kB)
[ see how to access PDF files ]
Please print and sign this form and give us details of where the graffiti is that needs to be removed. Completed forms should be sent to: Street Services, Council Depot, Manor Trading Estate, Curzon Drive, Grays, Essex, RM17 6BQ
There are a number of measures that can be taken to protect yourself and your property from this type of criminal damage:
There are a number of methods that can be used to remove small amounts of Graffiti. With any removal methods, please complete a test patch and always follow the manufacturer's instruction.
There are a number of branded Graffiti Removal products available for purchase from under £10 that will last for a few applications (depending on area covered). Please ensure that the product you buy is suitable for the surface you are using it on. Suppliers are more than happy to assist in providing advice and guidance as to the correct product for a given surface.
| Painted Surface | Lightly abrade surface, clean off residue and over-paint graffiti. This may require 2/3 coats of paint depending on the background colour and the darkness of the graffiti. DO NOT use paint remover, thinners, white spirit or methylated spirit, as this will attack the base paint. |
| Timber Fencing | Sand down surface with coarse sand paper and re-stain. |
| Glass | White spirit or methylated spirit should remove most paints and marker pen ink. Carefully read the manufacturers instructions for use and safety information before use. DO NOT use abrasive materials or cleaners. |
| Plain Metal | As for glass, plus some paint removing products may be suitable. Carefully read the manufacturers instructions for use and safety information before use. |
| Plastic | As for glass. Please note that some solvents may have an adverse effect on some plastics. Carefully read the manufacturers instructions for use and safety information before use. |
Graffiti protection coatings are painted on top of natural or painted surfaces to form a protective shield. Graffiti will stick to the protective coat instead of the normal surface.
Many different products are available and are usually either clear or sacrificial coats. Clear coat is a long-life, hardened cover similar to a clear varnish or paint, from which the graffiti can be wiped. Sacrificial coats are totally or partially removed with the graffiti.
Before purchasing a graffiti protection coating, consider the cost and what product best suits your situation. You may require professional advice.
Reports of graffiti that are obscene, racist etc will be removed within 24 hours.
Thurrock Council is working with BT to remove graffiti from connection boxes. If you find graffiti on a BT connection box, you can report it direct to BT by telephoning 0800 661 610. BT will then organise its removal.
NTL are providing free materials to Thurrock Council so their connection boxes can be re-painted. If you find graffiti on an NTL/TELEWEST box, please report it to the council by telephoning 01375 652652, or online via the form linked below.
For BT telephone boxes, contact British Telecom on 0800 661 610 providing the telephone number of the box, or the road name and nearest junction.
Contact the Royal Mail on 0845 774 0740, quoting the post box number.
Bus shelters are routinely cleaned every two to three weeks. If a bus shelter requires urgent attention, contact Clear Channel on 0800 731 3699.
For railway bridges across the road and land owned by Network Rail, contact Network Rail on 0845 711 4141.
 |
Graffiti - report onlineGraffiti is a form of illegal vandalism when it is deliberately applied to private or public property without consent. The council will arrange for the removal of any graffiti reported. We give especially high priority in instances where graffiti which is racist, threatening or offensive in any way. |
