Graffiti Raids Across London As Police Sanitise City Ready For Olympics

Published on July 18th, 2012

Update #1: The New Statesmen spoke to the British Transport Police about this story, who claimed that only four people were arrested, not thirty. The New Statesman shares our opinion, however that process should not be used as pre-emptive punishment. We posted the story as it was told to us, and do apologise if there are any inaccuracies.

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It’s not uncommon for us to be contacted by respected ex-graffiti writers. That said, we certainly weren’t expecting the late night phone calls that we received from some past artists last night, who got in touch to tell us that they had been raided by the police yesterday (17th July). While graffiti writer’s homes being raided by the police is not a rare phenomenon, this series of raids came as quite a shock to many of the artists as most had given up painting illegal graffiti some 15 years ago.

Some of the people who were arrested had stopped painting graffiti without prior permission over a decade ago, and now paint commissioned artwork for corporate clients, while others haven’t touched a spray can at all in many years. For both types of ex-graffiti enthusiast, a knock on the door from the British Transport Police was the last thing they were expecting.

As they were escorted by officers back to the BTP headquaters in Victoria, the retired graffiti artists overheard radio chatter which made it clear to them that raids were being carried out on addresses across the length and breadth of London. Once they arrived at the station, the ex-graffiti writers spotted thirty or more familiar faces from the past – and realised that they weren’t the only ex-graff scene dweller to be arrested. Retired graffiti artists had been pulled in a big way.

It was around then that the graffiti artists realised what point the police were trying to make with them. Having been arrested, they were questioned about what they considered petty matters – accusations of criminal damage in the ’90s, questions about websites and magazines that they were involved in. After being briefly questioned about these seemingly irrelevant matters, they were told that they were to be bailed until November on the condition that they did not use any form of railway in London (overground, tube or tram), carry spray paint (or other graffiti tools, presumably) at any time, or travel within a mile of any Olympic area. That includes the Olympic Park, the ExCel center and other Earls Court locations, Greenwich park, Hampton Court Palace, Hyde Park, Lord’s Cricket Ground, North Greenwich Arena, The Mall, The Royal Artillery Barracks, Wembley Arena, Wembley Stadium, Wimbledon and a host of out-of-London locations.

They felt that they were arrested for one reason – in order to place bail restrictions upon them that would supposedly discourage graffiti from being painted during the Olympics.

It’s no secret that graffiti and street art are being targeted in the run up the London 2012 games. Each day stories emerge of artworks treasured by locals being removed by excited councils, or of graffiti that had remained untouched for years suddenly being washed brown by the over-zealous buff. Even so, we didn’t expect that unsolicited artwork would be considered such a threat to the image of the country that the authorities would manipulate the legal system to send a message out the graffiti artists – picking up anyone they could with a past in graffiti and slapping them with harsh bail conditions. Whether the BTP ‘s arrests served any genuine purpose, or if they were simply a tool used to issue people with draconian bail conditions, only they can say.

Assuming our contact was right, the British Transport Police were trying to send a message to them. A message that says graffiti would not be tolerated during the Olympics. Quite why the BTP decided to target a group of mainly retired writers, no one is quite sure. If they were trying to make a point to these men that they shouldn’t attempt to gain graffiti notoriety during the Olympics, they are most likely a decade or two too late to advise these men.

These men have told us that they are not currently involved in painting illegal graffiti. These men are living law-abiding lives, but can no longer travel on public transport or enter large areas of London due to harsh bail conditions. In addition, laptops, mobile phones and other devices were taken into evidence by police. How these men are supposed to work and look after their families under these conditions, they are not sure.

While thousands of people every year travel to cities like Barcelona, Los Angeles and Berlin to enjoy the graffiti and other vibrant youth movements, the heavy handed actions of government and law enforcement in London could see our fair capital descend into the cultural deadzone. The growing sanitisation of the city threatens it’s status as a creative hub, and now the authorities are harassing legitimate artists in their never ending pursuit of those who dare to create art without permission.

Comments

Posted by Neilon on July 18th, 2012, 10:15 [Reply]
unbelievable the depths they’ll go to
Posted by Chloe Lees on July 18th, 2012, 10:26 [Reply]
As a terribly nace white middle class middle aged gal, I’m EFFIN’ FURIOUS about what’s been done to these guys. Makes me want to go out and spray paint Cheltenham RIGHT NOW!

I certainly hope that BTP etc reap the reward of what they’ve started. Perhaps the best response would be a tidal wave of truly amazing, beautiful street art. If the authorities treat us like criminals anyway then by golly why not…?! *Especially* you retired artists!

Anybody in Cheltenham or Gloucester want to teach me how to do this?
- Posted by kilroywozere on August 5th, 2012, 02:17 [Reply]
  darren cullan aka SER ‘s work was AMAZING!!!! Totally mind blowing stuff….be it legal stuff or slighty ‘naughty night shift wrong side of the track’ work. The odd times i met & spoke to him a few years back….i certainly wouldn’t class him or many other ‘graff writers’ i met or painted with as ‘mindless’ vandals or place them in the same league as sick in the head ‘terrorists’. Many writers/artists are actually very much educated,intelligent & quite phylisophical & show great concern on matters that affect modern society as a whole or our lovely often corrupt government or dodgy police force….Often this is reflected within what is painted on to surface whether its stationary or moving on rails…..not quite the brainless moranic dirty cockroaches/tunnel rats/hoody chavz the general media like to make out….apart from zzzzzzzzz BANKSY……….RIP SKEAM,DIER,VIZO,PAWS,CHEST….& MY xxMUMxx…’make love not war’… ;P
  - Posted by kilroywozere on August 5th, 2012, 02:28 [Reply]
    can’t be forgetting RIP OZONE & WANTZ…. xx
Posted by randomname on July 18th, 2012, 11:06 [Reply]
What were the artists being charged with? How can you be given “bail conditions” when you aren’t being charged with a crime? Aren’t these arrests basically illegal? You can’t barge into someone’s home and arrest them without probable cause. Does London have a civil liberties union of sorts? This is a SERIOUS issue and I hope local civil liberties groups jump ALL OVER this. It’s pretty astonishing and disgusting when London police are acting like some kind of gestapo.
- Posted by angryman on July 18th, 2012, 11:22 [Reply]
  havnt you heard? in england the police are allowed to do what they want
- Posted by in24 on July 18th, 2012, 14:51 [Reply]
  you can be arrested on suspicion of anything and be bailed without charge for an offense while they decide (usually within 6 weeks) if your gonna be charged or not — this stinks but not exactly an eye opener…George Orwell didnt quite have enough imagination to predict our times lol
- Posted by Fishy on July 19th, 2012, 11:41 [Reply]
  The fact that the article does not mention that they were arrested for no reason implies that they were arrested for a specific offence they had committed.
  
  The reported decided to omit that area of the story for one reason or another.
Posted by Limp Ick on July 18th, 2012, 11:29 [Reply]
seriously. wtf.
Posted by 1 OF THE UNLUCKY 1s :( on July 18th, 2012, 11:31 [Reply]
They are nicking guys for BULLSHIT i.e graff that was done in the 90s ? website owners with sites that INCITE vandalism lol, graff mag owners with mags that INCITE vandalism UK graff BOOKS that show graff history that could INCITE vandalism WTF…. ALL BULLSHIT excuses really, its just a plan to make there STATS look good during the Olympics.
Posted by ruthy on July 18th, 2012, 11:32 [Reply]
pretty ironic then that the Olympic symbol is meant to represent graffiti then…
Posted by Mark on July 18th, 2012, 11:39 [Reply]
These guys should apply to vary these conditions to the nearest court immediately. They are ridiculous and a patent infringement of their human rights and an abuse of process.
Posted by droopius on July 18th, 2012, 11:54 [Reply]
Have stumbled across this through work (criminal defence lawyer). Please let the people arrested know that it is possible to apply to a Court to vary these types of bail conditions. More than happy to talk to anyone about it if they need further details
- Posted by Keegan on July 18th, 2012, 11:58 [Reply]
  Thank you very much – I’ll pass on this message.
Posted by sam on July 18th, 2012, 12:00 [Reply]
I bet they would love another banksy to pop up somewhere though wouldnt they?

Its done using paint, on someone else’s property…but its okay cos its some overdone cliche crappy stencil but we like it
- Posted by Keegan on July 18th, 2012, 12:02 [Reply]
  That’s the worst part, isn’t it? Some people get a pass.
Posted by ben james on July 18th, 2012, 12:14 [Reply]
its all bullshit… refuse to sign anything.. refuse to abide by any conditions set.. refuse to acknowledge any charges.. surely what they are doing is illegal … don’t play along with their games… and remember the golden rule… F••k em all…. ! ! !
Posted by Urbanartdealer on July 18th, 2012, 12:22 [Reply]
So, a retired graffiti artist from the 90′s who was arrested under the aforementioned conditions would not be able to go watch any Olympics events with his/her family? lol Has anyone ever considered telling the police about Civil Rights? What about the foreigners graffiti artists who will come to watch any events?
- Posted by Keegan on July 18th, 2012, 12:38 [Reply]
  He can’t even walk past the stadium!
Posted by Jible on July 18th, 2012, 12:44 [Reply]
My friend was picked up yesterday too, has to work near Stratford and has these bail conditions saying he can’t go anywhere near the area until November?!
Posted by draclear on July 18th, 2012, 12:52 [Reply]
Could you keep us updated on any follow-up to this story, e.g. whether any of those taken in have sought legal advice, or any comeback they’ve had from their MP or the PCC? Thanks.
- Posted by Keegan on July 18th, 2012, 12:56 [Reply]
  Going to do our best, yes
Posted by Matt Williams on July 18th, 2012, 13:02 [Reply]
Is there anyone who thinks this is a good idea? It seems to me that the people organising the Olympics are doing their best to alienate everyone.
Posted by peta on July 18th, 2012, 13:15 [Reply]
Shocking and disturbing but sadly not surprising in this day and age. Be interesting to know some more info about this, with regards to who got the knock, legal postings on websites & grasses . Please could you email me to chat further? Thanks . P
- Posted by Keegan on July 18th, 2012, 13:16 [Reply]
  Any updates to this article will be posted on this page Thanks.
Posted by Burning Penguin on July 18th, 2012, 13:20 [Reply]
Serious f’ked up. We now live in a police state thanks to the Olympics. I hope there are determined legal challenges to this that teach the filth they can’t go round doing bullshit like this.
Posted by Cat on July 18th, 2012, 13:20 [Reply]
Is there a place we can officially complain/anything else we can do?
Posted by DINI on July 18th, 2012, 13:21 [Reply]
Draconian!!!
1984!!!
Posted by Objectiviser on July 18th, 2012, 13:27 [Reply]
No, this isn’t illegal. Court ruled today: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18882126

Some of those arrests were for “carrying a flyer” and “having marker pens” and “dressing like a zombie”.

Timing is interesting, given that judgment was today.
Posted by Will on July 18th, 2012, 13:53 [Reply]
Who’s read 1984?
Posted by Sophie on July 18th, 2012, 13:55 [Reply]
Similar to treatment received by many different kinds of protesters in the last couple of years. Pre-emptive arrest, seizure of everything you need to make a living (computers, ‘phones), draconian bail restrictions also stopping you from making a living.

This country genuinely is turning into a police state: ruling through fear, rather than consent. I shudder to think where it will end.
Posted by Scott on July 18th, 2012, 14:27 [Reply]
That was rather rude of the BTP, in my opinion.
The cunts.
Posted by David Allen Green on July 18th, 2012, 14:37 [Reply]
The story above has been denied in much of its detail by the British Transport Police, see: http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2012/07/round-retired-graffiti-artists-london-olympics
- Posted by Keegan on July 18th, 2012, 15:13 [Reply]
  We have acknowledged this version of events and responded it to it at the top of this article.
Posted by draclear on July 18th, 2012, 14:37 [Reply]
Doubt is now being cast on your story, so you may want to ask a few of those involved to get in touch with the media. I’d suggest “The New Statesman” for starters, as they’ve already tried to follow it up: http://bit.ly/NyKjb3
Posted by Paraic O'Brien on July 18th, 2012, 14:52 [Reply]
Hi,
I’m a reporter with Channel4News. If you’ve been involved in the recent police raid, would like to hear from you (in strictest confidence) Email me. Thanks
paraic.obrien@gmail.com
Posted by DTM on July 18th, 2012, 14:56 [Reply]
Tbh I duno wether to laugh or not but one thging is for sure they myt be buffin all bits of work but that’s givn us fresh walls to paint afta the olympics! Let’s be honest they r c@@ts but graff is a way of life and u will never stop it even with ur shit brown paint we will keep cumin a cumin over and over again so paint the walls buff our work but ur just making our lives easier for the next dub,piece,throw up or even tag! Yours sincerly DTM 49 DanTheMan!
Posted by Aloud on July 18th, 2012, 15:01 [Reply]
This is a disgraceful, what about human rights and how can they justify their actions? especially if these men have not had any involvement for years and are now just trying to bring up a family with 9 to 5 jobs. Then out of the blue they have police at their door in front of their families and the whole street watching for nothing they even knew about. Everyone has a past and this seems to be when they were youths. The system needs to wake up and the police need to go out and deal with real criminals.
Posted by Guy Denning on July 18th, 2012, 15:20 [Reply]
I’d say the organisers and old bill were throwing down a gauntlet of challenge
Free community artist murals vs Corporate advertising murals? I know which I prefer.
Posted by Degss on July 18th, 2012, 16:09 [Reply]
1984 much! ..I Think if brought George Orwell back to life, Even he wouldn’t believe how far its gone or how fucked up these tactics are..

No one wants the Olympics its just a Dow Bhopal murderous brand excersize !
Posted by Lindsay Watling on July 18th, 2012, 17:34 [Reply]
Lindsay at the Evening Standard here. I’m really keen to do a story on this and would love to include some of the comments…Feel free to get in touch [phone number removed]. Also really keen to speak to those arrested…get their side of things…. Ta!
- Posted by kilroywozere on August 3rd, 2012, 20:06 [Reply]
  im amazed by the hypocrisy of it all. please check my comment down below i posted today. London undergrounds exterior ‘advertising technique’ & the ’2012′ logo were in my opinion direct attempts to appear ‘trendy’ & ‘down with the younger generation’….i’m surprised we didn’t see boris in a peaked to the side’ baseball cap,bling bling chain,shades,hoody & trainers performing a live olympics rap at the grand opening of the games…..pathetic!!!! I hope the answer back to this comes in the form of londons graffiti community uniting after the games & do whatmthey do best…..smash london town with some amazing pieces or gigantic trackside silver dubs….the odd ‘top 2 bottom train would be the icing on the cake or cherry on top!!! LOL
Posted by Anonymous on July 18th, 2012, 18:58 [Reply]
This escalation of events by the police is typical of recent harsh and alienating tactics employed off the back of the Olympics. Pursueing ex-writers living law abiding lifestyles is unwarrented, unmoral and against the spirit of law if not the letter. What we are seeing here is a poor attempt to try and silence a vibrant sub culture by targeting ex members of the scene who would not be painting during the Olympics anyway. It goes to show that BTP is ineffective at targeting active offenders and has to resort to petty scare tactics which just alienates now law abiding citizen and active graffiti writers. The police are charging people with inciting criminal damage, the real irony is that through theyre actions they are likely to incite it themselves by provoking writers previously indifferent to the Olympics to pick up a can of paint and make it clear they do not like they’re or others’ civil liberties being infringed upon by an increasingly petty and vengeful police state intent on presenting a sanitized and unrealistic image London devoid of any of its usual charm, The cracks will show through the paint no matter how many layers there are.
Posted by Alex Macfie on July 18th, 2012, 19:23 [Reply]
If this is over minor crimes allegedly committed in the 1990s, then surely a statute of limitations must apply. Legal or not, it stinks; the police are arresting people knowing full well that any case against them would fall at the first hurdle.
Posted by Caz111 on July 18th, 2012, 21:21 [Reply]
Did those arrested choose to have legal representation at the police station? If so I am surprised these harsh conditions have been imposed without good cause. I’m an accredited police station representation and specialise in criminal defence. These conditions can be varied by the courts/police so should anyone so arrested wish to contact me to defence this draconian stance by the authorities then please do not hesitate to do so.
Posted by Duck on July 18th, 2012, 22:36 [Reply]
The simple way to turn this around on them is to get together – fight it as a group.

Go openly to the places in question, press charges for false arrest where applicable, and make known what the police have done (no doubt at the behest of politicians).

If they get an easy run, they’ll assume they can do this to you every time – but give them an avalanche of paperwork and a solid legal defence, then you might see them rethink.

Don’t give them anything easy to hang you on, no graffiti, nothing.

Must add that the seizure of phones and electronic equipment on suspicion without charge is just plain fascism – these days those items are key business assets, so you’re effectively freezing business assets on a whim.
Posted by Bradders on July 19th, 2012, 01:25 [Reply]
Hopefully London gets smashed after the games then!
Posted by Simon Johnson on July 19th, 2012, 07:29 [Reply]
I’ve joined Liberty, who stand up for justice.
http://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/index.php
Posted by 303db on July 19th, 2012, 09:56 [Reply]
Police inteligence is an oxymoron…
Posted by Mister P on July 19th, 2012, 10:43 [Reply]
The Sterile State Of Hackney
Posted by anonomous on July 19th, 2012, 10:53 [Reply]
FUK BTP
Posted by Rudi Affolter on July 19th, 2012, 12:54 [Reply]
Further prove that we are indeed living in a police state. A friend of mine was picked up and his bail conditions mean he cannot use public transport to get to and from work and indeed is technically banned from his place of work: London Transport. His first and last piece of graffitti was 12 years ago during a rather drunken stag night celebration. Pre-emptive action of this sort reeks of fscism. No wonder we refer to the police as fascist pigs. They have earned the title.
Posted by Member of the Pembury boys on July 20th, 2012, 09:51 [Reply]
Are they trying to provoke another wave of riots on the eve of the Olympics? Because these raids and arrests are seriously pissing people off big time. People who were previously against the riots last year will now support rioting as a tactic after this provocative action by the police. Once news of this spreads London will explode again like it did last August.
- Posted by Anon on July 20th, 2012, 13:27 [Reply]
  Just a little bit OTT….
Posted by annon on July 20th, 2012, 10:49 [Reply]
lets just say, graff during Olympics wont be gone for long…
Posted by Pete Stean on July 20th, 2012, 21:13 [Reply]
All kinds of civil liberties are being infringed during the Olympics, with the ‘graffiti raid’ being the most overt. Residents of Hackney Wick can tell you about all the public rights of way that they have been barred from using, and I’ve started to hear horror stories from photographers too…
Posted by sdcb on July 21st, 2012, 11:00 [Reply]
i would not worry too much from the look of it these guys will get a massive payout if they sue the cops for illegal arrest and all the pain and suffering that came out of it. rinse their cash and spend it on paint. fuck the police.
Posted by Me on July 21st, 2012, 19:45 [Reply]
This story is incorrect.

Heres a better article with correct info

http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2012/07/round-retired-graffiti-artists-london-olympics
Posted by Jeff on July 23rd, 2012, 15:19 [Reply]
CRITICAL MASS ANTI-OLMPIC BIKE PROTEST FRIDAY 27TH JULY!

Meet Waterloo Bridge/Southbank at 6pm, leaving at 7pm, bring a bottle of booze and your mates, come on bikes, block the VIP lanes.
Posted by meowwwwwwww on July 26th, 2012, 16:45 [Reply]
whoooooppppped-deeeeee-dooooo some gays got arrested… real writers still out on the lines everyday
Posted by kilroywozere on August 3rd, 2012, 18:44 [Reply]
not only did the olympics try & appeal to the ‘younger generation’ by using a ‘graff style’ zig zaggy 2012 logo but i also saw an ‘official advert’ covering the entire lower ‘window down’ red door panels on a central line tube 2 weeks before the games with major of london nextto it & the 2012 logo….the ‘cartoon’ image consisted of 2 beefy looking weight lifters….was bright,colourful & extremely eye catching….but the down & hypicritical side to it is thats it was heavily corporate advertising & a direct ‘bite’ of the very ‘problem’ they *london underground/british transexual police* have been at war with for nearly 3 decades now…..I SAY ‘BOMB’ LONDON….NOT WITH NAIL BOMBS….BUT LOTS OF LOVELY MONTANA SPRAY PAINT!!!!!! clink clink clink *rattles can* pssssssssssssssssst……hahaha
Posted by pedro angel calderon armas on November 26th, 2012, 22:08 [Reply]
q chevere…… eto me gutaria etudiar