Graffiti - What Can You Do to Prevent It?

Graffiti is not only a physical blight to our neighborhoods, but, in some cases, it leads to intimidation and mental stress as well. The presence of graffiti can increase residents' fears about their safety, reduce property values, and cost the city thousands of dollars per year in removal and clean-up. Graffiti also communicates a message to other criminals, that maybe residents don't care about their neighborhoods, and that a blighted neighborhood might be a good place for additional criminal activity.

Youth gangs often use graffiti to mark territory, send messages and intimidate rival gangs and community residents. However, it is estimated that only about 10% of all graffiti is youth gang related. The other 90%, it is estimated, is the work of  'taggers." These are young people who are not necessarily gang-affiliated but still engage in graffiti vandalism. They are seeking recognition from their peers for their daring behavior. Most graffiti vandals are between the ages of 14-17, but some are younger. They often tote backpacks in which they carry the tools of the trade -- spray paint, paint sticks, markers, etching equipment, etc.

It is important that every citizen take part in the effort to keep our community graffiti free.       A partial list of what an individual might do to assist in the fight against graffiti vandals       includes: Report all graffiti! Before removing graffiti notify the Alhambra Police Department so the graffiti can be documented and photographed. Since most taggers sign their work in the same way and often target the same area, the City of Alhambra uses state-of-the-art computer technology, known as the Graffiti Tracker® to track, identify and build criminal cases against graffiti vandals. Clean up graffiti as soon as possible. The goal is to deny the vandal the chance to display his/her work, so successful graffiti removal programs remove graffiti within 24 hours. Although the clean up may be required again and again, patience and persistence does pay off. If you see a graffiti vandal, report this activity to the police immediately. You can choose to remain anonymous. Use landscaping as a deterrent to graffiti activity. Prickly plants, brushes and/or shrubs can slow down or eliminate repeat graffiti activity. Lights and sprinklers on timers also help protect vulnerable areas. Notify property owners of Alhambra's ordinance that requires them to keep their property graffiti-free. Coat walls with special paint products that do not allow spray paints to adhere or that make them easier to clean up. Report businesses which violate Alhambra's anti-graffiti ordinance prohibiting the sale of spray paint and other graffiti implements to minors. Start a Neighborhood Watch group in your neighborhood. Work with your neighbors to identify and report graffiti vandals to the Alhambra Police Department. When you see graffiti anywhere in the city, call the Graffiti Removal Hotline at (626) 570-5072. Report the address and exact location of the graffiti for removal within 24 hours.