"Graffiti Angels"

One of our members has come up with an idea to combat Graffiti. What do you think? Please email us your thoughts via the "Contact Us" link at the top of this page.

As I indicated at the last Forum Meeting, I have in mind setting up an organisation to tackle the increasing problem of Graffiti in our area.

As you will probably know, much of the visible signs of this "scribing" comes from what is known as 'Tagging". The purpose of these tags is to lay claim to wall space, and to show the perpetrators pier group that they can cover a larger area than their rivals.

Walls are chosen firstly for there visibility, and to a lesser extent for their difficulty, in terms of access. Most of these tags amount to no more than the equivalent of dogs marking their territory, and to that extent size does matter. The larger the tag the greater the brownie points gained.

I have noted that if a wall is cleaned or painted to remove graffiti, then it will reappear within days. However if the cleaning is repeated immediately, and repeated immediately after a second and third time, then the tags stop. This proves that there are rules of engagement, and they are that one has to lay claim to the ownership of the space. Doing nothing, or cleaning every two months isn't an option. To have a clean wall someone has to take responsibility.

My suggestion is that a group be formed to identify problem areas and tackle them head on by physically removing graffiti where ever it is found. Some will remember a group formed some years ago to tackle problems on the underground. My idea is that this new group might be call "Graffiti Angels".

The aim would be to take back ownership of what is visible within our area.

One of the first jobs such a group would have to do is find out who owns the properties that have the problem, and then gain the owners consent to act on there behalf to do the cleaning or painting.

Paint work is a relatively easy and quick way to restore a wall. With a large brush and the right colour paint a few minutes will get the job done. Cleaning brickwork is more difficult, but with the right equipment it can be done.

I am confident that materials such as paint and brushes, even overalls can be obtained without charge from local suppliers with the promise of some free publicity. The Highams Park Gazette would be very pleased to help in this regard.

So that just leaves the little problem of man/woman power. A couple of hours a week from a small number of people would see a dramatic change in the look of our area.

One final point. I gather from arrest figures for such offences most were boys between 12 and 15. From this I guess at some point we have to address the educational aspect of this problem.

I should add that all, and any of these ideas should be passed by our local police teams.

Any suggestion as to how we might take this thing forward would be welcomed.
Incidentally, I think this approach might well have national significance.

Back to top