ENCAMS (2006) defines graffiti as drawings, patterns, scribbles, messages or tags that are painted, written or carved on walls and other surfaces. In recent times the craze has been for 'tagging', the stylised scrawling of names.
Local authorities are responsible for removing graffiti from public buildings, monuments or street furniture such as benches. Other items such as telephone boxes, bus shelters and electricity boxes are the responsibility of the company that has placed them there, for example British Telecom, Adshel or utility companies. The public should check with their local authority before removing graffiti from items that do not come under local authority jurisdiction. Although private buildings are not the local authority's responsibility they will often assist with removal.
Those caught causing graffiti can be prosecuted under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. If the damage caused is less than £5,000 the maximum fine is £5,000 although fines are generally much less than this. Young offenders may be given a community service order (ENCAMS 2006)
In 2003 the Capital Standards Graffiti Working Group established a campaign to encourage shop keepers to not sell aerosol spray paints to under 18 year olds or to those they suspected would be purchasing for graffiti.
The campaign involved retailers signing voluntary agreements and advertising their pledge by displaying posters in their shop windows and behind their counters to dissuade under 18 year old from trying to purchase aerosols. This phase was run in partnership with the Metropolitan Police. The code required shop keepers to ask for proof of age and identity, limit the likelihood of theft of spray paint from their shops, by making it a controlled item which can only be bought across the counter and pass any information to the police about suspected potential vandalism. The campaign was also highlighted by a poster which appeared in participating shops.
The second phase of the campaign involved the production of a web-based database for the recording of graffiti 'tags'. The purpose of the database was to map the distribution of 'tags' throughout London and to enable the sharing of information about 'taggers' with other Capital Standards members. A highly successful showcasing event was also organised for Capital Standards members to showcase the techniques, technologies and solutions that they use to clear graffiti from public spaces, and to share best practice.
The Capital Standards Graffiti Working Group continues to meet on a regular basis to discuss the issues surrounding graffiti on a regular basis.