Graffiti Hamster Van
Organisation: Safer Swansea Community Safety Partnership
Category: Criminal damage, vandalism, graffiti, fear of crime
Date submitted: 31 October 2006
What was the problem?
General problems of vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting throughout the Swansea area. Existing graffiti removal schemes were limited in their capacity, ability and equipment to adequately address the problem. The inability to remove all graffiti and fly-posting was identified as a trigger for further crime and disorder problems.
What actions were taken?
An environmental audit was undertaken to fully identify and explore the problem, this investigated existing:
- reporting and recording procedures
- equipment and resources.
These existing procedures and resources were then developed, including the introduction of a mobile resource to target and respond to criminal damage. This 'Graffiti Hamster Van' initiative includes the employment of a specially trained person to address the problems.
The three main utility services in the area are involved, they have:
- agreed to the scheme removing fly posters and graffiti from utility boxes
- supplied materials to ensure utility boxes are restored to their original condition and colour
- a service level agreement.
Owners and managers that use fly posting as a marketing tool have been targeted with visits, warnings and prosecution.
Referrals are received from members of the Partnership, local authority staff, members of the public and 'on the spot' sightings by the Removal Technician. Service users are charged a nominal fee for the service to cover the cost of removal solutions. Racist graffiti is removed free of charge immediately.
What was the outcome?
Since January 2004, the service has operated efficiently and effectively and has dealt with over 3,000 referrals from Council, private and commercial properties. The level of graffiti in Swansea has been substantially reduced, along with a marked reduction in fly-posting. This has improved the visual appearance of the city and has assisted with reducing the fear of crime in more prolific areas. Racist and offensive graffiti has been dealt with as a priority and targets are set to remove it within 24–48 hours. The service has been recognised as ‘Best Practice’ by other Community Safety Partnerships throughout Wales and the UK, resulting in numerous seminars and organisations requesting presentations on the scheme.
If actions were funded, how much was contributed and from what source?
The initial set-up costs of the service were financed from the Home Office Building Safer Communities (BSC) and Safer Communities Funds during 2003/04. The total costs for this period were £42,000 (capital) plus £19,000 (revenue). With effect from 2004/05, the service was ‘mainstreamed’ by the local authority, with costs of £35,000 in 2004/05 and £38,000 in 2005/06, which included an allocation from BSC of £3,000 per annum. The budgeted amount for 2006/07 is £35,000, with no provision for allocation from BSC.
Contact details for further information
Name: Kim Dodd
Organisation: Safer Swansea Community Safety Partnership, Community Safety Team, City & County of Swansea, Guildhall, Swansea, SA1 4PE
Tel: 01792 635669
E-mail: kim.dodd@swansea.gov.uk