CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

•  Report in-progress graffiti activity to 9-1-1.

• Report information about graffiti vandals or existing graffiti via  Renton Responds or by calling 425-430-7362.

• Rapid and continual removal is the best way to eliminate the problem. Studies show that removal within 24-48 hours results in a lower rate of recurrence.

• Install motion activated lighting in areas frequently vandalized.

• Install cameras in areas of frequent vandalism.

  • Register cameras to help RPD to catch suspects.

• Plant climbing plants, or thorny bushes next to buildings.

• Organize a mural project for walls frequently targeted. 

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Paint over. Painting over the graffiti can be cost effective and fast. Use like colored paint and never follow the shape of the graffiti, instead block out the space.
  • Good for nonporous surfaces that plant base solvents did not work.
  • Best for porous surfaces
    • Concrete walls, sidewalks
    • Wood
  • Large tags or murals
• Graffiti removing plant base solvent. Most hardware stores carry some form of graffiti remover. Test on a small part of the surface first and follow listed manufacturer’s instructions. Always wear gloves and other protective gear when using solvents!
  • Effective on most nonporous surface: plastic, glass, metal

• Pressure washing. It is recommended to use 3000 psi at an angle to avoid driving the paint further into the surface.  As with paint overs, pressure wash a box over the graffiti do not trace the vandalism.

• Can be used on concrete walls, sidewalks, stairs, brick walls, wood that has not been stained or weathered.

• Scraping with a razor blade

• Stickers
• Graffiti or paint marker on glass

Three steps should be taken. Document, Report, and Remove:

• Report the graffiti via Renton Responds. The app will ask for a photo, location and type of graffiti (obscene, gang related). You can also make a report by calling 425-430-7362.

• Property owners should also file a police report, this can be done by calling 452-235-2121.

• Remove graffiti from property promptly.

• Report the graffiti via Renton Responds. The app will ask for a photo, location and type of graffiti (obscene, gang related). You can also make a report by calling 425-430-7362. Property owners should also file a police report, this can be done by calling 452-235-2121.

• Contact Building Management to remove graffiti promptly.

• Inspect outside of building regularly.

• Add or improve lighting around your property to promote natural surveillance.

• Install cameras in frequently vandalized areas.

• Organize a mural project to cover a wall that is an ongoing target for graffiti. These types of community murals are less likely to be defaced by graffiti and install a sense of local pride in a community.

• Organize a neighborhood Block Watch. Dedicate a meeting to graffiti and invite police / code enforcement.

• Sign up to be a graffiti abatement volunteer.

  • Graffiti Abatement Volunteer

  • Teen Graffiti Abatement Volunteer

• Organize a neighborhood Block Watch. Dedicate a meeting to graffiti and invite police / code enforcement.

• Contact graffiti abatement coordinator to organize a neighborhood graffiti clean up event.