Graffiti Prevention Strategy: Address the “who” over the “what”

graf·fi·ti  /ɡrəˈfēdē/ noun : writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.

Did you know that graffiti comes in many various forms and “techniques?”  Some taggers use drill bits to etch glass, metal or plastic surfaces, making it more difficult and more expensive to remove. Others slap stickers across signs and billboards, which may seem like an innocent act but it is still vandalizing public property nonetheless.

Any type of graffiti vandalism is upsetting and disconcerting for the residents that take pride in their community. It even creates fear and anxiety as these types of vandalism is symbolic of lawlessness and increased crime. It is important to quickly address all forms of graffiti and reverse the damages to maintain a clean and safe environment, while communicating to the community that order is in place.

When implementing graffiti prevention strategies, make sure that all of these various graffiti “styles & techniques” are being addressed as well. Keep in mind that products that help simplify removal of paint won’t stop surface etchings, or systems that detect the sound of aerosol spray cans only work for taggers using spray paint. Therefore, it’s important to proactively stop the source of the crime – the taggers committing the crime – rather than reactively focusing on the crime they committed,  in order to fight the crime altogether.