Graffiti is a crime that affects all public and private property and causes millions of dollars in unnecessary damage every year. It is estimated by the San Francisco Department of Public Works that graffiti cleanup is calculated at $20 million annually.
Perpetrators of this crime are often repeat offenders. They frequently use the same moniker in their graffiti which is equivalent to their signature.
Victims of graffiti often do not report this crime to the police, further complicating the problem. Police reports help the city and the police department track crimes. When incidents are not reported to the police data does not accurately reflect the true scope of the problem and resources are not allocated appropriately.
Reporting this crime to the police can also help deter additional graffiti, lead to criminal charges and a fine for violators, and save taxpayers money.
Types of Graffiti
- Gang Graffiti - Often used by gangs to mark turf or convey threats of violence, and sometimes copycat graffiti which mimics gang graffiti.
- Tagger Graffiti - Ranging from high-volume simple hits to complex street art.
- Communicative Graffiti - Often isolated or spontaneous acts of youthful exuberance, but sometimes malicious or vindictive.
- Hate Graffiti - Political or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.
When to Contact Police vs. 311
Contact the police to report the crime. The SFPD Non-Emergency number is 1-415-553-0123 or 911 in the event of an emergency. Once the police report is made, we can start the criminal investigation. The police department does not follow up on the enforcement of the removal of the graffiti.
Contact 311 to report graffiti on private or public property such as street signs, mailboxes, etc. 311 will not notify the police department of the crime but will follow up with the agency responsible for notifying the property owner. It will be the responsibility of the property owner to make arrangements to remove the graffiti. The responsible agency will also take enforcement action if the graffiti is not removed in 30 days.
Based on the circumstances you may want to notify both the police and 311.
Tips for Victims of Graffiti
File a police report. This will help the police department track the problem. It is very important to also include photos.
a. When a crime is in progress call 911.
b. Crimes that are not in progress should be directed to our non-emergency line at 1-415-553-0123 to report the crime.
c. The most efficient way to report this incident is to file a police report online.
d. You can also go to your local police station to file a police report. Not sure where your nearest station is? Find your nearest district police station.
- Once you have reported the crime, immediately remove or paint over the graffiti. This helps deter additional graffiti.
- Work with your community to paint out graffiti in your neighborhoods. For additional information, please visit the below links.
SFPD Graffiti Abatement Unit Contact Information
Contact this unit for criminal investigations or police follow-up.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-415-850-6951
Other Contact Information
- Department of Public Works - Graffiti Removal
SF Department of Public Works - Graffiti Removal
Visit the SF Department of Public Works Graffiti webpage.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-628-271-3160
- Recology - CleanScapes
Recology CleanScapes
Recology CleanScapes SF provides San Francisco businesses with 24/7 maintenance services. They're equipped to wash, scrub, sweep, and/or haul away any unexpected things the urban environment may leave at your doorstep.
Visit the Recology CleanScapes homepage.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-415-348-9700
- Commercial Corridors Graffiti Abatement Pilot Program
The pilot program will work to relieve participating property owners of the financial burden of removing tags from their buildings, instead allowing professional Public Works crews or City contractors access to wipe out graffiti at zero cost to the affected property and business owners.
- Free Paint
The Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at 501 Tunnel Ave., San Francisco, CA 94134, and is open to the general public on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM and will provide free paint to residents of San Francisco on a first come first serve basis.