The number of graffiti incidents in Barrow have more than tripled in the space of three years, an FOI has revealed.
A freedom of information (FOI) request to Westmorland and Furness Council recently showed that the number of graffiti incidents recorded in Barrow rose from 2 to 7 between 2022 and 2024.
The same incidents almost doubled across South Lakeland over the same period, rising from 24 to 43 reports of graffiti.
A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “We recognise the impact that graffiti has on our communities and environment, and we share the frustration felt by residents when Council-owned property, including playground equipment and street furniture such as benches, seats and litter bins are affected.”
The council said it can only remove graffiti on assets and property that it is responsible for and prioritise removing graffiti that is obscene, offensive, hateful or likely to incite hatred.
The spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we do experience a certain amount of graffiti within our play parks. As part of regular inspections of play equipment and facilities, any inappropriate graffiti identified by inspectors will be removed.
“Any incidents of graffiti or vandalism can be reported through the Council’s website. The Council also holds regular community meetings with the Police, where reports and concerns are shared and discussed.”
The new system allowed businesses to flag areas in the town that were in need of attention by using the form here.
We asked the council for the same figures for 2025 but did not receive them.
To report acts of vandalism to private property please contact the local Police on 101.
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