Is graffiti illegal in the UK and what happens if you’re caught doing it?
GRAFFITI first became widespread in New York during the 1970s on the side of subways and buildings.
But what is it, what is the law with regards to graffiti in the UK and what is tagging? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is graffiti?
Graffiti can be described as drawings, writing or "tags" that have been illegally painted, sprayed or scratched on to something - such as a car or a building.
Experts argue that graffiti can encourage other crime as people lose a sense of pride in their area.
Former Met detective Chris Phillips said: “There are many studies on this subject that show signs of disorder in a neighbourhood, like a broken window or graffiti, encourage petty crimes and lead to more serious crimes.
“The fear of crime increases. Those who deface our cities with graffiti are criminals and this person deserves very hard justice.
“The impacts are so much greater than simply damaging a wall.”
Data released under Freedom Of Information laws found councils across the UK now regularly spend six-figure sums each year removing graffiti.
In London alone, £100million was spent in 2022 dealing with graffiti.
As well as on trains, graffiti is a growing problem on roads.
National Highways, which is in charge of the UK’s road and motorway network, says it can cost £10,000 to remove one single instance of graffiti.
It not only leads to road closures but creates a distraction for drivers, which can lead to dangerous accidents.
Is graffiti illegal in the UK?
Graffiti can be considered an offence of criminal damage.
Under 16s are not permitted to buy aerosol paint cans and local authorities can also issue fixed penalty notices for offences of graffiti.
What happens if you are caught doing graffiti?
Those caught can be liable under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, and if prosecuted the offender could face a fine or even imprisonment.
In June 2023, it was revealed that a government crackdown would see rapid deployment teams tackle graffiti within 48 hours - as well as fly-tipping, littering, and vandalism.
The Community Payback plan will make it easier for the public to report incidents and nominate clean-up projects.
Local probation services also have to consult with charities and victim groups on the type of unpaid work carried out.
Six-month pilot schemes are being launched in Manchester, the North East and East of England, and Wales.
The new scheme will apply to anyone who has been sentenced to unpaid work.
Secretary of State for Justice Alex Chalk said: “Anti-social behaviour is a blight on society and can leave proud neighbourhoods feeling neglected.
“These rapid deployment teams will mean that eyesores are dealt with swiftly to ensure convicts are made to give back to the communities they have offended against.’’
If successful, it is hoped to roll out the plans nationally by the start of next year.
Where is it legal to do graffiti?
According to West Yorkshire Police: "Some UK Councils provide spaces called ‘free walls’ for graffiti artists to use for their art."
Anyone hoping to find a free wall in their area should ask their local authority who will be able to assist and point you in the direction of the nearest one.
What is tagging?
Typically, tagging involves a person illegally scrawling their name, nickname, signature, pseudonym or logo in a number of spots.
One example of tagging was revealed in February 2023 - a graffiti sprayer known as 10 Foot has daubed his tag — graffiti signature — on everything from trains to historic buildings up and down the land, contributing to an annual clean-up bill of £1billion for taxpayers.
10 Foot has a particular obsession for tagging bridges and overpasses, but also vandalises shutters, windows, bus stops and London’s sprawling network of tracksides and train carriages.