Graffiti

Report Graffiti

Prompt reporting of graffiti by citizens greatly improves cleanup response times and provides valuable information for the prosecution of the taggers. As always, call 9-1-1 if you witness a crime in progress.

Where to Report Graffiti...


City Property (signs, garbage cans, etc.)

City Parks:

State Property (including buildings, bridges or parks):

  • Call 360.725.0000

PSE Power Boxes:

  • Call Puget Sound Energy at 1.888.225.5773

Qwest Boxes:

  • Call Qwest Repair Services at 1.800.573.1311

Pacific Disposal Carts:

  • Call Pacific Disposal at 360.923.0111

  • Call the Downtown Clean Team at 360.522.3850

It is the responsibility of the property owner to clean graffiti on their property. It is advised that graffiti is removed as quickly as possible to prevent recurrence.

Property owners may file a police report at 360.704.2740

Taking Pictures Helps

If you can take pictures of graffiti before it is removed, this will assist the Olympia Police Department track taggers and gather information about any possible gang activity in the area. Email photos, along with the location of the tag and the date the pictures were taken to graffiti@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Graffiti Cleanup Kits

See tagging on City property and want to help? Have a problem with graffiti in your neighborhood? The City provides graffiti removal kits free of charge to recognized Neighborhood Associations and Block Watch neighborhoods.

Call 360.570.3737, or email graffiti@ci.olympia.wa.us to request yours. Please include your name, contact information, and the group you are representing.

If you're not part of a Neighborhood Association or Block Watch, but still want to help fight graffiti, you can easily and affordably make your own kit.

Here's what to include:

  • Protective equipment: Rubber gloves, face mask, and eye protection
  • Hand towels
  • Graffiti remover: local hardware stores have many options - pick the one that's right for you
  • Soft brush
  • Scrub brush
  • Scraper
  • Green scrubbing pads
  • Black or dark brown spray paint, for use on wooden poles.

Don't Damage Property by Mistake

Some materials or surfaces can be easily damaged during the cleaning process, doing more harm than good. These items require special care, techniques or professional cleaning.

 

  • DO NOT remove graffiti from the front of traffic signs (stop, speed limit, etc.) as it destroys the reflective material. If you see graffiti on a traffic sign, please call the Graffiti Hotline at 360.570.3737
  • DO NOT pressure wash historical buildings
  • DO NOT use chemicals to remove graffiti from pervious sidewalks, just pressure wash
  • DO NOT paint pervious concrete to cover graffiti, as the paint will clog the pores in the concrete

Preventing Graffiti

Fight Paint with Paint

Many local businesses and neighborhoods have painted artistic murals on walls that have been chronically tagged. Murals are an amazing way to deter future tags and vandalism, and have the added benefit of creating neighborhood pride and identity.

Start a Block Watch

Block Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent not only graffiti, but all types of crime in your neighborhood. Block Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon. An active Block Watch also builds neighborhood pride, forging bonds between residents, and serves as a springboard for efforts that address other community concerns such as recreation for youth, child care, and affordable housing. Learn more...

  • Submit a Service Request Online
  • Stop Crime
  • For the latest news follow Olympia Police on Twitter

City Calendar

City Updates

  • Utilities Relief Program

    City of Olympia utility customers affected by the COVID-19 emergency can fill out a simple self-certification form to have their utility payments deferred for 60 days without interest or penalties. Complete the form...

  • Council Meetings during COVID-19 Emergency

    The Olympia City Council will continue to hold its regular meeting schedule during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. However, the Council will change how it conducts meetings to adhere to the required social distancing guidelines. Starting at the March 24 Council meeting, the following steps will be implemented:

    • The Council Chamber will be closed to the public.
    • No public comment will be taken at the meeting.
    • The meeting will be broadcast on monitors in the City Hall lobby, and chairs will be set up in a safe, social-distancing arrangement in the lobby.

    How can I comment?

    A link to the Council agenda and meeting packet will be posted to Engage Olympia after 3 p.m. the Thursday before the meeting. Once posted, the public can comment on agenda items until noon on the Tuesday that Council meets. This will give Councilmembers an opportunity to review the comments before the meeting that evening.

  • COVID-19 Impacts to City Operations

    All City buildings are closed to the public through at least April 10. You can take care of many of your most common needs on our Online Services page.

    For information about other impacts to City operations (services, meetings, events) visit our COVID-19 Information page.

  • COVID-19 Public Health Information

    For the latest public health information and answers to specific questions about COVID-19, please visit the Thurston County Public Health website.

  • Meetings

    Agendas and Minutes for City Council and most advisory committees.