Graffiti sends the message that no one cares. It attracts other forms of crime and increases crime statistics in the community. The result is residents feeling less safe and secure. Property values, business growth and tourism decline. The cost of graffiti removal diverts tax dollars away from parks and recreational programs.
There are strategies residents can use to reduce or eliminate graffiti in their neighborhood or around their businesses:
- Learn about graffiti, how it impacts your community and how you can help.
- Eliminate graffiti, broken fences, overgrown landscaping and poor lighting.
- Report existing graffiti in your community by calling 3-1-1.
- Volunteer for graffiti removal events (call 3-1-1 to get started).
- Block graffiti prone areas with fencing, gates or other barriers such as shrubs, thorny plants, and vines to restrict vandal access.
- Plant vegetation against solid surfaces
- Teach others about the personal and community impacts of graffiti vandalism.
- Move dumpsters away from walls and cover drainpipes to prevent roof access.
- Install a security camera.
- Business could consider asking a community group or professional artist to apply a mural to their premises.