Graffiti vandals in Western Australia will face two years in jail or a $24,000 fine under tough new laws to come into effect on January 1.

The new legislation will double the maximum penalty for vandalism.

Retailers will also be slapped with a $6000 fine for selling implements such as spray cans or non-water soluble marker pens, with a tip over 6mm wide, to people under the age of 18.

WA Attorney General Christian Porter on Thursday said the new laws were designed to help stem the blight of graffiti on public property, which cost taxpayers about $25 million a year to remove.

Between January and November this year, 191 adults and 277 juveniles were charged with graffiti offences.

‘‘Graffiti is just one type of anti-social behaviour the people of this state are fed up with,’’ Mr Porter said.

‘‘The offence shows complete disregard for private and public property and ultimately costs taxpayers about $25 million every year for government to clean up.’’