Will chalking or flyposting get me arrested?

You are unlikely to get stopped in the UK

If you are stopped, it’s more likely to be by people who work in the industry rather than the police. Avoid giving your name or details to any industry worker. You’re only obliged to give your details to the police, and even then, only in certain circumstances.

Spray-chalking usually provokes the police if they see you do it. There have been incidents of rebels receiving a fixed penalty fine of £90 for chalking outside a company HQ.

In the worst case scenario, a charge is likely to be that ‘criminal damage’, which holds minor penalties.

Note: Avoid taking or posting photos of anyone doing the work as it can be used as evidence in the future.

For more information check out the Greenand Black Cross website.

Police liaison

In the UK we don’t recommend running away if police find you taking action. This could be classed as resisting arrest and may also make them think you’re doing something worse than you are. However, some members of affinity groups could calmly and quickly walk away, or even continue the action, while the police liaison negotiates with them. XR usually stands by an action, demonstrating accountablity.

Do your Know Your Rights Training and scout your meeting location an hour or so beforehand to check for police presence.