Graffiti: Explained

By the police

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE MARIE
POLICE SERVICE

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People who write graffiti see the world as a very different place from those who don’t.

As uncontrolled graffiti can start a cycle of fear and decay, it is important that people have a basic understanding of graffiti and know the best ways to control it.

Aside from the obvious economic costs, undesired and unremoved graffiti sends a strong message, that private property is not respected and no one really cares about the appearance.

In order to correct this perception, it is vital that you clear graffiti from your property as soon as possible in the event it happens.

The best way to prevent graffiti is to never let it happen. This is best accomplished at the design stage by using textured surfaces or limiting available surfaces.

Where the environment has already been built, graffiti is best prevented by ensuring proper maintenance and the strategic use of:

Plants and vegetation
Murals, and;
Where circumstances dictate, protective coatings over walls.

In the event you are the victim of graffiti, timely clean-up will stop its spread and limit its reoccurrence. Graffiti taggers are unlikely to return to locations that do not offer a good payback for their risk, time and money (paint markers/spray cans)

Timely clean-up will:

Save you money in the long run;
Demonstrate ownership and pride of your property;
Ensures your property complies with property standards
Maintain the value of your property

Do your teens have:

Black permanent markers or paint sticks
Heavily tagged property, including furniture and walls
Books with graffiti sketches
Collection of spray paint cans often kept in backpacks
Paint residue on fingers and clothing, particularly after dusk

If you see Graffiti Vandalism in progress, call 911. If you believe the graffiti is hate related, contact the police immediately at 705-949-6300. Do not remove hate graffiti without first contacting police.

If you have information regarding Graffiti Vandalism, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or text keyword SSM along with your tip to 274637.

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