The effect it has also spreads wider than the exact place of the vandalism, because it unfairly presents a poor image of a neighbourhood.

The council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team is urging anyone tempted to leave graffiti to think about its negative impact – a sentiment that is echoed by the Grounds and Maintenance team that is responsible for its removal.

Councillor Davie McLachlan, the Chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, said: “Graffiti detracts from the overall look of an area, giving the impression of a neglected neighbourhood. However, it can also cause upset and embarrass many people to see their area being defaced – and often these hurt people are neighbours and maybe relatives of the perpetrators.

“It can be extremely time-consuming and costly for the council to remove it, with thousands of pounds each year being spent on this. However, despite the cost, it is still important to address it as soon as possible because the longer any graffiti remains in place, the more likely it is to encourage more of the same. As a result, it is helpful if it is reported it to the council as soon as possible so we can do something about it.”

The Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “We will remove graffiti from all council-owned property, such as buildings, street furniture and play equipment, and can also remove it from private property for a fee although, in that case, a disclaimer does need to be signed prior to any work taking place.

“It is also worth bearing in mind that graffiti is illegal – it is an act of vandalism and, as such, offenders need to remember that they could find themselves charged with a criminal offence under section 52, Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.”

The council aims to remove offensive graffiti, including any that is racist, sectarian or obscene in nature within 24 hours of being notified of it.

Front-line council employees working in our communities, including community wardens, housing officers and grounds staff, act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the council and will identify and report any graffiti they see while carrying out their duties.

However, they can’t be everywhere at once and so any member of the public wishing to report offensive graffiti can do so by calling the hotline on 0303 123 1020.

All other non-offensive graffiti on council-owned property is aimed to be removed within five working days and it can be reported online through the council website.