Report Graffiti & Vandalism - Birmingham Council

Parks and Public Spaces England 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

Intro

Birmingham, England residents and businesses can report graffiti and acts of vandalism to the City Council and, when appropriate, to the police. This guide explains how to report damage in parks and public spaces, who enforces removal, what penalties or orders may apply, and the practical steps to get surfaces cleaned or investigate offending behaviour. It summarises council contact routes, legal context and common outcomes so you can act quickly and know what to expect.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary local route for reporting and requesting removal is Birmingham City Council Streetscene and environmental enforcement. The council page sets out the reporting process but does not specify fixed fine amounts or detailed escalation steps on that page [1]. For criminal offences such as intentional criminal damage that may include graffiti, national law is the Criminal Damage Act 1971; maximum criminal penalties and sentencing are set out on legislation.gov.uk [2].

  • Enforcer: Birmingham City Council Streetscene, Environmental Enforcement or Community Protection teams typically handle removal and civil enforcement.
  • How to complain: use the council online report form or contact the council customer service — see Help and Support / Resources below [1].
  • Criminal proceedings: where graffiti is criminal damage, West Midlands Police can investigate and charges proceed under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 [2].
  • Fines and financial penalties: not specified on the cited council page; criminal penalties for damage are set out in national legislation [1][2].
Report visible graffiti promptly with a clear location description and photo.

Escalation, non-monetary sanctions and appeals

Local enforcement may issue removal notices or community protection notices where authorised; the council page does not publish a schedule of monetary fines or a formal escalation table. Criminal prosecution, community remedies or court orders are possible under national law when behaviour is persistent or serious [2]. Appeal and review routes for council notices are not specified on the cited page; if you receive a formal notice, it will state review and appeal rights and time limits, or you should contact the issuing department directly [1].

If you are served a notice, it should explain how to appeal or request a review.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Tagging on council property: usually removal by Streetscene and potential investigation.
  • Graffiti on private property: owner responsible for removal unless a council notice requires action.
  • Repeat vandalism: may lead to criminal investigation, community orders or court action under national law.

Applications & Forms

The council publishes an online reporting form for graffiti and vandalism requests; no separate permit or application number for removal is required. If a formal enforcement notice is issued, it will reference the statutory basis and any response form or deadline. For criminal complaints, contact West Midlands Police and follow their reporting process [2].

Photograph the damage and note exact location before cleaning or removal.

Action Steps

  • Document: take a clear photo, note date, time and precise location in the park or public space.
  • Report to the council online using the graffiti report page or customer contact form [1].
  • If you believe the graffiti is part of persistent antisocial behaviour or a hate incident, report to West Midlands Police.
  • If you receive a council removal notice, follow its instructions promptly to avoid enforcement action; contact the issuing team to ask about appeals or discretionary relief.

FAQ

Who removes graffiti from council-owned walls and public furniture?
The council arranges removal of graffiti on council-owned property after a report is made; submit the online report and Streetscene will assess and schedule removal.
Can I get private property cleaned by the council?
The council generally expects private owners to remove graffiti on their property; in some cases the council can serve a notice requiring removal if legal conditions are met.
Will I be charged for removal?
Charges and liability depend on ownership and any enforcement notice; the council page does not list fixed fees for removal or charges on the cited page [1].

How-To

  1. Take a clear photo of the graffiti and note the exact location, including nearest postcode or landmarks.
  2. Use the Birmingham City Council online graffiti report form to submit the photo, description and contact details [1].
  3. If the graffiti appears criminal (hate language, threats, or repeated vandalism), report to West Midlands Police and keep a copy of your report.
  4. Follow any council instructions about deadlines or removal; if you receive a notice, read appeal details and contact the issuing department early to discuss options.

Key Takeaways

  • Report graffiti quickly with photos and exact location to speed up removal.
  • Council removes graffiti on council property; private owners are usually responsible for their own property.
  • Serious or repeat vandalism may lead to police action under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Birmingham City Council report graffiti and vandalism page
  2. [2] Criminal Damage Act 1971 on legislation.gov.uk

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