GRAFFITI IS A VICTIMLESS CRIME.
The victims of graffiti include property owners who incur tremendous expense in removing graffiti and taxpayers whose dollars are spent on graffiti removal on public buildings, highway structures, etc. Another group of victims is citizens who become uncomfortable and fearful in their own neighborhoods and whose properties often lose value.

MOST GRAFFITI IS TERRITORIAL IN NATURE.
Although gangs often use graffiti to mark territories, the most prevalent form of graffiti is tagging. Tagging is done by young vandals who sometimes work in groups or crews. The primary goal for taggers is peer recognition. Taggers create stylized markings to obtain notoriety among their peers.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN GRAFFITI AND OTHER CRIMES IS DISTANT AND REMOTE.
Crew members, as well as gang members, often engage in shoplifting of supplies, act as lookouts, become involved in sniffing paint and glue, and write messages about drug transactions. In addition, confrontations among rival tagging crews can end in violence.

GRAFFITI OFFENDERS ARE MOSTLY MINORITIES COMING TO OUR COMMUNITY FROM OTHER AREAS.
Graffiti vandals can be youngsters 7- or 8-years-old or adults in their 20's and 30's. There is also no racial distinction among taggers. Taggers often come from middle and high income families.

GRAFFITI IS EVERYWHERE, AND IT IS GOVERNMENT'S AND LAW ENFORCEMENT'S JOBS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
Government and law enforcement efforts alone will not solve the problem. Community involvement, education, and beautification efforts are key components to reducing and preventing graffiti.