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...
On Public Property
City Property (signs, garbage cans, etc.)
City Parks:
State Property (including buildings, bridges or parks):
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.
Make Your Own Graffiti Cleanup Kit
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.
What NOT to do
- 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...