Appeal launched for information on graffiti tag

Canterbury City Council is appealing for information about the identity of this man who could hold vital information about the spraying of a graffiti tag in Canterbury that has also been seen in other locations across the district.

The individual pictured below was seen on CCTV (above) in St Dunstan’s Street on 17 June this year.

The tag has also been spotted in New Dover Road and St George’s Place in the city and at Whitstable Harbour (below), among many places.

Such has been the prolific nature of this tagging on public facing walls, underpasses and street ‘furniture’ such as utility boxes, the council estimates it has spent around £2,000 of council taxpayers’ money cleaning off and covering up this one tag alone, through the work of its dedicated graffiti team.

Investigations so far have not resulted in the council being able to identify the tagger, so a public appeal is now the only option to try and stop these activities from continuing.

Cabinet member for enforcement, Cllr Connie Nolan, said: “There is no evidence the tagger has slowed their activities at all, which means our cleaning and removal costs will continue to rise and public areas will continue to be defaced unless we take proportionate action.

“We know the vast majority of residents abhor graffiti tagging as it increases public anxiety, makes the place look unkempt and costs money to clean up, which could be spent on other vital frontline services.

“Hopefully this appeal will result in information that allows us to stop this tag from appearing in the future.”

Information can be provided, anonymously if necessary, by emailing streetsceneenforcement@canterbury.gov.uk or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The council also offers a £500 reward for information that leads to the formal sanction of an individual for committing these offences.

Published: 17 July 2025