Rapid Removal

The term ‘rapid removal’ refers to the process in which graffiti is removed within a relatively short period of time, generally 48 hours, following detection[1].

The effectiveness of this initiative is based around the premise that rapid removal can counteract motivation for graffiti vandalism by limiting exposure time of the work and consequently, recognition from peers.  The Western Australian (WA) State Government’s Graffiti Vandalism Strategy 2019-2021 supports the rapid removal approach, but recommends that it is carried out in combination with other prevention activities such as community awareness, intelligence-led policing, appropriate landscape design, offender diversion, and education.

The development of the ‘broken windows theory’ by Wilson and Kelling[2], proposed that the presence of graffiti may impact on the level of crime. They identified that a disorderly environment sends a message that no one is in charge, thus weakening community controls and inviting criminal behaviour. Graffiti that is not removed may therefore attract more graffiti[3].  Rapid removal may be seen as a means to reduce further graffiti incidences and prevent escalation into more serious crime by maintaining and restoring the community environment.

There is ample evidence that employing the rapid removal strategy can serve as a successful prevention and reduction method for graffiti vandalism. The WA Police Force Graffiti Team have experienced notable reductions in graffiti incidents at hotspot locations through the implementation of rapid removal practices. In addition, national and international studies have reported that implementing the rapid removal approach has resulted in positive outcomes. The low implementation costs and ease of removing newly applied graffiti materials contributes to the success of this approach[4]. Please see below for links to these studies.

Evidence has shown that graffiti vandalism may not be fully prevented using the rapid removal approach. Some researchers argue that graffiti vandals may continue to write on newly cleaned walls, graffiti activity may increase in surrounding areas after rapid removal has been employed[3], and that window etching may take the place of markers and paint. Furthermore, the ease of sharing graffiti electronically may compromise the effect of decreasing exposure time of the work. It is therefore encouraged that rapid removal is run concurrently with other anti-graffiti strategies in response to graffiti vandalism[3], rather than used in isolation. Combined anti-graffiti strategies may result in greater success for reducing and preventing graffiti vandalism in the future. These may include the application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), lighting, educational programs, partnerships, offender data bases, increased reporting, information workshops and urban art projects.

To support the research findings around the effectiveness of rapid removal, the State Government has introduced graffiti vandalism removal standards for public sector bodies by way of a Premier's Circular. The Premier's Circular Graffiti 2011/17 implements the State Government’s policy on prompt removal of graffiti vandalism by encouraging all public sector bodies to adopt a 48-hour graffiti vandalism removal standard for their assets (from the time of reporting), with immediate removal if the graffiti is racist or obscene.

The Graffiti Team are available to assist community members, businesses, and Local Government with the implementation of rapid removal practices and other prevention methods. Contact the Graffiti Team at graffiti@police.wa.gov.au.

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