Social ChallengeReduce Graffiti Vandalism

CollaboratorsThe London Borough of Brent, British Transport Police, London Metropolitan Police, Street Care Teams, Monorex, local schools, residents

Before The London Borough of Brent had high levels of graffiti vandalism. The council was developing a graffiti policy to address the issue but wanted to better understand the motivations and lifestyles of graffiti offenders, young people, victims of graffiti and residents to ensure the policy would deliver sustainable behaviour change.

ApproachWe used engaging consultation methods to connect with and understand audiences.

Key insights:
-Young people feel like there are no activities or services to keep them entertained.
-Offenders cannot see the vocational potential for their skills and interests in graffiti.
These key insights were explored at a Co-design event by a whole range of stakeholders who developed ideas and recommendations on how to deliver the Graffiti Policy.
A ‘Diversionary’ programme of workshops was developed and piloted to provide young people interested in graffiti with opportunities to positively develop their skills.

Methods: RANT BOX™, Focus Groups, In-depth Interviews, Co-design Workshop

Change and Success-A 25% reduction in the amount of graffiti vandalism in Brent area
-The Design Council and Home Office’s Designing Out Crime Programme have used the work as an example of the impact design can have on anti-social behaviours.

Find out more:
Watch a film about the pilot Diversionary programme
Visit the blog for the Diversionary programme
See more project photos on Flickr