Consistent action against illegal graffiti

Illegal graffiti, tags and smearings have long been more than just a visual nuisance for many people in Jena. They cause costs, burden property owners and affect the feeling of safety in public spaces.

Stellten das neue Konzept vor, mit dem die Stadt Jena gemeinsam mit Partnern gegen illegale Graffiti vorgehen will (v.l.): Sebastian Wick, Fachdienstleiter Kommunale Ordnung, Vanessa Baum, persönliche Referentin des Bürgermeister, und Bürgermeister und De

The city of Jena is therefore introducing a new concept that combines all the key approaches for the first time: Prevention, support, clear processes and consistent action against illegal damage to property.

"Illegal graffiti cannot be effectively suppressed with a single measure. The decisive factor is a coordinated approach that combines prevention, consistent enforcement, rapid clean-up and support," says Mayor Benjamin Koppe. "We can only achieve tangible improvements if the administration, police, property owners and urban society act together."

The concept was developed in a multi-professional working group. Various departments of the city administration, the city's own businesses and the police were involved. The aim is to significantly reduce illegal graffiti in the medium to long term, remove damage more quickly and at the same time strengthen legal forms of urban art.

Focus on support for those affected

A central focus is on providing better support for citizens and private property owners. The plan is to provide comprehensible information, transparent reporting channels and, in the long term, financial support for the removal of graffiti and for preventative protective measures.

"Anyone affected by illegal graffiti should not have to face the problem alone," explains Sebastian Wick, Head of the Municipal Order Department. "We want to make the processes easier to understand and offer concrete support where possible."

Report, record, act faster

In future, graffiti is to be recorded centrally via the defect report and processed in a structured manner. Clear responsibilities and coordinated processes will ensure that reports can be checked more quickly and measures can be initiated swiftly. At the same time, a reliable picture of the situation is created that makes developments and focal points in the city area visible. A particularly rapid response is planned for criminal or extremist content.

Expanding prevention and legal services

The concept combines consistent action with targeted prevention. Existing youth and social work projects are to be strengthened and further developed. In addition, new formats such as workshops, competitions, dialog forums and additional legal graffiti areas are planned. The aim is to promote creative expression and at the same time reduce illegal activities. Legal street art can make a positive contribution to the design of urban spaces.

Consistent action and faster clean-up

Where graffiti is applied illegally, the line remains clear: illegal damage to property will be consistently prosecuted. Fresh graffiti and criminal content will be removed as a matter of priority. In future, the clean-up of public spaces will be organized more systematically and combined with sustainable protection measures to reduce further damage. At the same time, cooperation with the police and judiciary will be further intensified.

Participation expressly desired

The city of Jena is also relying on the support of the public for implementation. Information via the deficiency reporter, participation in dialog formats and involvement in legal projects are expressly encouraged.

Clear prospects for the coming years

With this concept, the city of Jena is creating a coordinated and binding framework for dealing with graffiti for the first time. The measures will be implemented gradually. The aim is a visible reduction in illegal graffiti, faster help for those affected and an urban space that remains clean, liveable and attractive.