Illegal graffiti refers to the unauthorized marking of public or private property and is commonly treated as vandalism, often subject to fines or other penalties. Graffiti becomes illegal when it is created without the owner’s permission, whereas works produced with consent—such as approved murals or street art—are considered legal. The key distinction therefore lies in the authorization of the property owner. Unsightly or unwanted graffiti should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage or copycat defacement. At the same time, the canton of Basel-Stadt actively supports the creation of street-art murals by providing designated walls and encouraging artistic expression in appropriate locations.

In July 2026, a total of 122 graffiti removals were recorded in Basel-Stadt. Of these, 50 were removals from public facilities (SprayEx) and 72 were from private buildings (SprayOut). Compared to the average monthly graffiti removals of 147.1 recorded since November 2023, this number is considered to be high.

The communities with the highest number of graffiti removals were Matthäus (28), St. Johann (16), Am Ring (12), Vorstädte (11), and Altstadt Kleinbasel (9). The communities with the lowest number of removals were Breite (1), Clara (2), Gotthelf (2), Gundeldingen (3), and Iselin (4).

The monthly time series of graffiti removals shows a clear structural shift starting in October 2023. Before that date, monthly figures typically ranged between roughly 30 and 90 removals, with occasional peaks. From October 2023 onward, the numbers increased substantially, frequently exceeding 130 removals per month. This jump coincides with the start of systematic reporting for removals on private buildings (SprayOut), which previously went unrecorded. The inclusion of this category explains the higher baseline observed in the most recent years. Within this newer period, July 2026, with 122 removals, sits somewhat below the post-2023 average but remains firmly within the elevated range.

The Canton of Basel-Stadt undertakes significant efforts to maintain cleanliness in public spaces. Illegal graffiti on public infrastructure is typically removed within 48 hours of being reported, which helps prevent further vandalism. Residents can report graffiti through the cleanliness hotline or by completing the online form. The canton also financially supports private property owners in removing graffiti, covering a substantial portion of cleaning costs. Furthermore, Basel actively promotes legal street art by providing advisory services, supporting property owners who wish to commission murals, designating walls for legal painting, and encouraging high-quality street art as a way to beautify the city and reduce vandalism.