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Graffiti
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Graffiti is a crime that costs our nation billions of dollars every year. Graffiti reduces property values and drives away businesses, customers and jobs. Gang related or not, graffiti makes the community look unsafe. It sends a message that someone other than the residents and the City are in control here. This encourages other crime and can lead to the decline of a whole neighborhood. Reducing graffiti requires a partnership of private citizens, business owners, youth workers, schools, neighborhood associations, crime watch groups, the police, courts and, most importantly the parents.
The good news is that with a little bit of focus and some effort, together we can reduce the negative impact of graffiti on our community. This type of collaborative effort has been successful in cities all across America!
Does graffiti mean I have gangs in my neighborhood?
Not necessarily. Although gangs do use graffiti to communicate, most graffiti is not gang related.
There are three basic types of graffiti:
- Graffiti done by “taggers” or “tagging crews” (people who consider graffiti their art form);
- Graffiti done by vandals;
- Gang-related graffiti.
How can I tell the difference between these three types of graffiti?
You probably can’t. One type of graffiti usually looks much like another. Gangs and taggers alike use their own preferred colors, signatures, symbols or names. Vandal graffiti is often obscene and anonymous. These are very general descriptions and any type of graffiti may take on the characteristics of the other types. The content being communicated is not generally discernible to the average person.
My fence keeps getting painted with graffiti. Does this mean I've been targeted by a gang?
Probably not. Most graffiti should not be taken personally. If you have graffiti on your property, it may simply be that your property is convenient to paint on. Don't assume you've been singled out. Also, do not be afraid to remove the graffiti from your property. Graffiti writers almost never retaliate against property owners. You should, however, report incidents of graffiti on your property to 911. This will generate a police report and help the department track activity patterns. That, in turn, influences their decisions on how to deploy their resources. Finally, experience shows that when graffiti is swiftly removed, within 48 hours of its occurrence, it is less likely to show up again in the same location.
What should I do if I see someone painting graffiti?
Call 911. Do not try to confront someone painting graffiti. Whether or not it is a gang or a gang member, the person doing it is willfully violating the law and should be considered potentially dangerous. Call 911. The police will handle it.
If someone is caught painting graffiti will they be arrested, and what is the punishment?
Yes, they can be arrested and booked just like any other criminal. The punishment for someone convicted of criminal mischief (graffiti) depends on the amount of damage caused. For damage under $50, the crime is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. The maximum penalty, for damage of $200,000 or more, is a First Degree Felony, punishable by a minimum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 (Texas Penal Code, 28.08).
Is it illegal for minors to purchase spray paint?
Yes, businesses that sell products marked "vapor harmful", including spray paints, are required to prominently display a sign that reads: "It is unlawful for a person to sell or deliver an abusable volatile chemical to a person under 18 years of age. Except in limited situations, such an offense is a state jail felony." (see Texas Health & Safety Code, 485 for the full statute)
If you see Graffiti outdoors and in public view anywhere in the City of Rowlett
— Call 972-412-6200 option # 1 or Email
— Give your name and phone number
— Exact Address (Ex: Fence faces Hartford Dr but home address is 8400 Melton).
— Name of Business (If applicable).
— Type of Surface – Painted or Natural Brick or Wood.
— If Graffiti has foul language or is hate or race related.
There is a $500.00 Reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of graffiti vandals.
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