Graffiti Prevention Tips
How does graffiti “hurt” our community?
Graffiti contributes to reduced retail sales, a decline in property values, and instills fear and a lost sense of security in citizens. A business littered with graffiti is less likely to be patronized. Citizens feel less safe and secure in a neighborhood with graffiti present, even if they live there.
How can I prevent graffiti on my property?
1. Ongoing upkeep
Make every effort to keep the appearance of your property clean
and neat. An exterior appearance that shows neglect attracts vandals.
Litter, old graffiti, broken fences, overgrown landscaping, and poor lighting
all send a message to vandals that property owners do not care.
2. Rapid removal
Rapid and continual removal of graffiti is the best way for
property owners to protect the image of their neighborhood. Studies show
that removal within 24 to 48 hours results in a nearly zero rate of
reoccurrence.
3. Control access
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Incorporate shrubs, thorny plants, and vines to restrict vandal access to walls and fences.§
Add or improve lighting around the building to promote natural surveillance.§
Use fences, controlled entrances and other barriers that discourage through traffic.§
Limit access to roofs by moving dumpsters away from walls and covering drainpipes or affixed ladders to prevent vandals from scaling them.4. Step up security
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Install some type of security camera. Affordable "deer cameras" from local or online hunting supply stores are easy to install and are motion activated. Other affordable security camera systems are found in most hardware and discount department stores at affordable prices. Businesses may want to employ security personnel to monitor property.§
Organize a “Neighborhood Watch” through your local Police or Sheriffs Department. Active and organized citizens are an effective tool in preventing crimes of all types, not just graffiti.§
Don’t allow a “legal wall”, or an area that permits graffiti, in your neighborhood; they are largely ineffective and may draw more graffiti vandals to the area. Numerous cities around the U.S. have tried this idea and all have failed to prevent graffiti in surrounding areas. In fact, legal walls usually drive incidents of graffiti in surrounding areas up.§
Employ graffiti resistant materials or coatings on a chronically hit wall. Many online retailers and hardware or paint supply companies carry these items.
5. Use your local Law Enforcement resources
Work with local authorities to determine if the graffiti is being done by taggers or gangs.
Always check with law enforcement about safety concerns when removing gang graffiti.
The following businesses provide graffiti removal services* :
* This list was taken from a Denver metro area telephone directory and is provided as a convenience. It does not imply endorsement of any of the companies listed.