Getting the Low Down To Help Crackdown on Graffiti

Which of the following impacts does the appearance of graffiti have on a neighborhood?
1. Decreases property values.
2. Increases resident’s fear of crime.
3. Attracts more graffiti “artists”.
4. All of the above

(If you answered “4, All of the above”, you’re correct)

This newsletter addresses effective responses to the problems of graffiti and will help you to understand the factors that contribute to this problem. It will help you frame your own analysis, determine effective measures, and take action.

In recent years, graffiti has become an extensive problem, spreading from neighborhood to neighborhood. Despite the common association of graffiti with gangs, graffiti is widely found in jurisdictions of all sizes, and graffiti offenders are by no means limited to gangs.

Graffiti has become a major concern to some local business owners due to the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity as well as contribute to lost revenue associated with reduced retail sales and decline in property value. As with most forms of vandalism, graffiti is not routinely reported to police. Many people think that graffiti is not a police or "real crime" problem, or that the police can do little about it. Because graffiti is not routinely reported to police or other agencies, its true scope is unknown.

Types of Graffiti

Tagger graffiti	Gang graffiti

There are different types of graffiti. The major types include:
• Gang graffiti, often used by gangs to mark turf or convey threats of violence, and sometimes copycat graffiti, which mimics gang graffiti;
• Tagger graffiti, ranging from high-volume simple hits to complex street art;
• Conventional graffiti, often isolated or spontaneous acts of "youthful exuberance," but sometimes malicious or vindictive; and
• Ideological graffiti, such as political or hate graffiti, which conveys political messages or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.

Locations of Graffiti (Common Targets)
Graffiti typically is placed on public property or private property adjacent to public space. It is also commonly found on vehicles; walls facing streets; street, freeway and traffic signs; statues and monuments; and bridges. In addition, it appears on vending machines, park benches, utility poles, utility boxes, billboards, trees, streets, sidewalks, parking garages, schools, business and residence walls, garages, fences, and sheds. In short, graffiti appears almost any place open to public view.

In areas where graffiti is prevalent, gang and tagger graffiti are the most common types found.

Take Action!
Meanwhile, the graffiti and tagging must not go unabated. This is where we need your help! If you witness an act of graffiti vandalism or observe suspicious activity, immediately report it to the Police. Several recent arrests have been made through the vigilance of neighbors throughout the Twin Cities. Also, it has been known that the most effective way to prevent further graffiti vandalism to property is to remove it immediately. If your property is targeted by graffiti vandals, report the incident to the Saint Paul Police, document the damage with photos, and begin clean-up as soon as possible.

Graffiti Alert! Hot Line (Who to call to report graffiti vandalism)
The Saint Paul Police Department has made concentrated efforts to enforce laws prohibiting graffiti.
• To report acts of graffiti vandalism in progress, call 9-1-1, as with any other crime.
• To file a police report for vandalism to your property, call (651) 291-1111.
• To report graffiti vandalism on public property or request cleanup information, call the Mayor and Council Information and Complaint Office at (651) 266-8989.

Saint Paul Check Diversion Program (Restitution for Merchants)

On Monday March 17, 2008 Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman; Susan Gaertner, Ramsey County Attorney; John Choi, Saint Paul City Attorney; and Saint Paul Police Chief, John Harrington held a press conference to unveil a program that will assist people who have been defrauded by bad checks to recover their loss and to aid in the prosecution of offenders. Chief John Harrington said, “Those unscrupulous people who write bad checks will find that they will be pursued by us and our partners from the City and County Attorneys offices. This program will make it easier for honest people to do business in our city.” Details of the Check Diversion Program will be presented by City Attorney Tony Tedesco at the next Payne Arcade Business Watch Training scheduled for April 3rd at 5:00 p.m. at Schwietz Saloon located at 956 Payne Avenue in the 2nd floor banquet room.