Reports of graffiti in November were up 52% over this time last year. Historically, the city sees more graffiti in November, when it gets dark earlier and schools are on Thanksgiving break. But this November the city saw an even bigger increase.

The city has crews on standby who can respond quickly to remove graffiti on public property, like streets, sidewalks and traffic signs. But the city is also asking the public to help report graffiti. 

If you see graffiti on public property:

• Call the city’s 24-hour graffiti removal hotline at 442-339-2990
• Download our Carlsbad Connects app or use the version on the city’s website
• We normally are able to take care of it within one to two business days, but that could be longer given the recent increase

If your property is vandalized with graffiti:

• Call the Carlsbad Police non-emergency number, 442-339-2197, available 24/7.
• The Police Department will come and photograph the graffiti. It can be hard to identify suspects if there are no witnesses, but it is helpful to know about all cases. We add each one to a tracking app that could identify patterns that can help us find the perpetrators.  
• Private property owners are responsible for getting rid of the graffiti, but some homeowner’s insurance policies will cover the costs.

Deterring graffiti
Experts agree one of the best ways to prevent graffiti is to quickly remove it when it occurs. Other tips are similar to how you would deter other property crimes – like installing security lights (these could be motion activated) and having visible security cameras in place.

Graffiti is, in fact, a crime. Depending on the amount of property damage, fines range from $1,000 to $50,000 plus jail time. Judges may also order perpetrators to pay for the damage or order their parents to pay if the perpetrator is under 18.

The city appreciates the public's help in keeping the community graffiti free.