If you are affected by graffiti or you see it on a property or witness an act of graffiti, you can report it to the Council through Waltham Forest Direct using the on-line form or phone 020 8496 3000. Reports of graffiti can be made anonymously if you wish to do so.

Graffiti is words or images that are written, painted, sprayed or scratched on the surface of any property. It is a criminal offence that can result in a large fine given out by the magistrate’s court, or an £80 fixed penalty notice issued by the local authority or the police. It spoils and damages both public and private property.

Graffiti can be offensive and is classed as an act of anti-social behaviour.

Graffiti removal by the Council

The Council is responsible for removing graffiti from public buildings, street furniture or monuments.

The Council will remove graffiti from private households where it faces out onto or abuts the public highway.

Commercial premises will be charged for removal or covering of graffiti.

Other items such as telephone boxes, bus shelters and electricity boxes are the responsibility of the company that put them there.

The Council has the power to issue a “defacement removal notice” to the property owner, which requires them to remove the graffiti within 28 days. If they fail to do so, the local authority can do the work themselves and recover the costs.

The Council is committed to combating the negative impact of anti-social behaviour related activities like graffiti have on the appearance of our environment. To this end, we will ensure that our street cleansing staff:

  • Remove offensive or racist graffiti from Council owned buildings within one working day of it being reported to us
  • Remove offensive or racist graffiti from private buildings within one working day once we have the owners permission

View the documents below to see our performance against these targets 2009/10 and in the current year (April 10 - January 11):

If you have been a victim of anti-social behaviour find out about the support services available click below

Contact us

Public Realm
Environment and Regeneration
Low Hall
Argall Avenue
London E10 7AS
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
Tel 020 8496 3000