GRAFFITI

What is the definition of graffiti?

Graffiti (singular: graffito; the plural is used as a mass noun) is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property. Graffiti is often regarded by some as unsightly damage or unwanted vandalism.
(Source: Wikipedia)

All too often you hear people referring to graffiti as "Graffiti Art". We know that some of these youth are very talented, but that talent needs to be redirected in a positive way. Defacing private property is not "Graffiti Art" it is "Vandalism" and considered a crime. Many citizens fall victims to these vandals and can be very costly to the home/business owners. 35 percent of property vandalism is graffiti according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

It currently costs the U.S. over $1 billion per year in graffiti removal. In Phoenix, it costs taxpayers approximately $2.5 million a year to remove graffiti. With the rapid growth of the Valley, we are seeing the spread of graffiti throughout Maricopa County.

It is important for cities that have in place the lockup ordinance to enforce the ordinance and restrict the easy access of graffiti tools. Other ways to combat graffiti is for homeowners to get involve in some type of neighborhood group that will open the lines of communication between the homeowners and law enforcement.

Ten things you can do to prevent graffiti in your community

1. Get educated. Learn about graffiti, how it impacts your community, and who is responsible for graffiti prevention and clean-up in your area.
   
2. Report graffiti to the appropriate authorities.
   
3. Organize a paint-out. Gather supplies and community volunteers to remove graffiti in your neighborhood.
   
4. Plan a paint-brush mural to cover a wall continuously plagued with graffiti.
   
5. Coordinate a graffiti awareness campaign at your school or in the community.
   
6. Make a presentation on graffiti prevention to your school, class, or neighborhood group.
   
7. Adopt a spot in your school or community and make sure it stays clean and free of graffiti.
   
8. Plant trees or other greenery near a graffiti-plagued wall. This will help prevent access.
   
9. Ask your community to install lighting in areas that are dark and often hit with graffiti.
   
10. Contact a local Keep America Beautiful affiliate (www.kab.org) and volunteer to help keep your community clean.

(Source: Graffiti Hurts)

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