Graffiti harms a community in many ways. It defaces buildings, lowers property values and invites other types of criminal activity. It also discourages customers, visitors or prospective residents.
Graffiti costs both businesses and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year in lost revenue and clean-up activities.
Stop Graffiti from Spreading
It has been proven that when graffiti is removed within 72 hours, the chance of it reappearing in the same location is minimized. Leaving graffiti in place sends the message that the building or area is not monitored or cared for, which can lead to graffiti and crime spreading to other areas.
Graffiti is also often easier to remove if it is done soon after the occurrence, and may not require harsh chemical products or painting.
Report Graffiti
Residents who report graffiti using our online form, or by calling or dropping by one of the stations, will receive a discount on paint and supplies from the Port Coquitlam Home Depot on Nicola Avenue.
When you fill out the report, be prepared to provide details such as the location, description and, if possible, date and approximate time.
Upon receiving a report, Community Police Station personnel generate a report and send volunteers out to photograph the graffiti. Bike and foot patrols are also alerted to the location and put extra effort into patrolling this area.
Once the report has been filed, the complainant is given a coupon for a 10% discount at the Port Coquitlam Home Depot on Nicola Avenue for supplies related to cleaning up the reported graffiti. This coupon has the name of the recipient, expiry date as well as the file number.
Learn about the Wipe Out Graffiti program for businesses.
Wipe Out Graffiti (Business Program)
Businesses in Port Coquitlam’s Northside and Downtown have help in the fight against graffiti vandalism.
The City’s Wipe Out Graffiti program, in partnership Tri-City Paint and Decorating and the local RCMP Community Police Stations, provides the tools and techniques necessary to help local commercial business and property owners keep their businesses graffiti-free.
As part of the program, Tri-City Paint and Decorating provides eligible businesses with significant discounts on Benjamin Moore paint and supplies, free colour-matching and free painting supplies for removing graffiti. Also, the City provides an educational brochure that offers tips and techniques to prevent graffiti from spreading throughout the community.