Graffiti management

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Graffiti is the deliberate act of marking words or images on property without the owner's permission. It may involve writing, drawing, or marking surfaces—commonly with spray cans or felt-tip pens—or scratching surfaces with sharp instruments. 

Types of graffiti range from single instances of ‘tagging,’ where the vandal writes their ‘signature,’ to more elaborate ‘mural-style’ works that may also incorporate a signature. Commonly targeted surfaces include fences, walls, buildings, vehicles, and signage. Vandals may target both public and private properties. 

Is graffiti a crime?

Yes, graffiti is recognised as a crime under the Victorian Graffiti Prevention Act 2007. Under the Act, it is an offence in Victoria to: 

  • mark publicly visible graffiti on property without the owner’s consent;
  • sell spray paint to someone under 18 unless they have proven it is needed for employment purposes;
  • possess a graffiti implement with the intention of marking unlawful graffiti;
  • possess, without lawful excuse, a spray paint can while on or adjacent to public transport property, or where the person is trespassing;
  • advertise spray paint cans for sale, if the advertisement is likely and intended to incite or promote unlawful graffiti. 

The Act also includes police investigative powers and a framework for councils to remove graffiti from private property. The offence of marking graffiti attracts maximum fines of more than $38,000 and up to two years imprisonment. 

What is Council’s approach to graffiti management?

Council’s graffiti policy guides its approach to managing graffiti.  

Council has engaged a graffiti management specialist to actively monitor graffiti hotspots and as well as undertake reactive graffiti removals from Council assets.  

Learn more information about Council’s graffiti management service.

What is street art?

It is important to distinguish between illegal graffiti and commissioned works of urban or street art that are carried out with the property owner's permission. Such artworks can even assist in deterring illegal graffiti. 

 Council commissions public street art from time to time.

Who do I report graffiti to?

When graffiti is reported on a Shire-managed asset, Council aims to inspect and address the graffiti within five working days. We prioritise the removal of offensive graffiti and aim to have it addressed within 24 hours. If you notice graffiti in your area, please contact the Shire on 1300 850 600 or use our online Report a problem form. 

When graffiti is on a non-Shire asset, it is preferred that it be reported directly to the responsible authority. Many assets on the Mornington Peninsula are either privately owned or managed by other authorities such as VicRoads, United Energy, Telstra, Public Transport Victoria, Adshel (glass-paned bus shelters), South East Water and VicTrack.  

We recognise that it can be difficult for a member of the public to easily identify who owns or manages an asset. If you are unsure whether the graffiti is on a Shire asset, report the graffiti to Council and we will assist in determining the responsible authority. 

If you have information about someone illegally graffitiing public infrastructure and wish to make a report, reach out to Victoria Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. 

How do I prevent graffiti on my property?

There are a number of simple ways you can help prevent graffiti attacks on your property: 

  • Choose textured, rough, or non-solid (e.g., mesh, grill, or lattice) surfaces for fences or walls. Such surfaces make it more difficult to apply graffiti.
  • Paint solid surfaces in dark colours, as these are less attractive to graffiti vandals.
  • Plant shrubs or trees in front of graffiti-prone areas to limit access and attractiveness to vandals. The use of vines or spiky plants can be particularly effective.
  • Keep areas well-lit by installing sensor lighting where appropriate.
  • Quickly remove any instances of graffiti. This can help deter repeat graffiti.
  • Consider using anti-graffiti coatings on surfaces that are particularly prone to graffiti. This will assist with easy removal should an attack occur.
  • Maintain your property—poorly maintained properties are more likely to attract graffiti.
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