A review of Cardiff’s new graffiti scheme has shown over 1,400 items of graffiti were removed from property in the city from late 2008 to December 2009.
During this period a fresh policy was introduced on the issue, along with the establishment of a new, free, graffiti removal service.
Branded with a “busy bee” and carrying the slogan “Don’t get stung with a fine, graffiti is illegal”, teams in two new vehicles began patrolling and answering requests from the public. A five day target to remove general graffiti is in place, along with a 24 hour target for any graffiti which is racist or offensive.
In all, 1441 items of graffiti were removed from both private property and public buildings.
Cardiff Council’s Executive has now approved an updated graffiti policy which reaffirms the Council’s commitment to tackling the problem. Removal from private property will remain free of charge and removal targets will also stay in place.
In addition, work will continue with communities across Cardiff to help educate people on the issue and encourage residents and businesses to report graffiti problems as soon as possible. All calls should be directed to the non-emergency 101 service.
Executive Member for Environment, Councillor Margaret Jones, said: “It is very encouraging to see how successful the new teams have been since their introduction and we continue to ask the public to report problems, so that the necessary action can be taken. As well as offering the free service to remove graffiti from private and public property, we will continue to work with South Wales Police to catch the minority who are carrying out these criminal acts.”
