HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN AND SAFE BY REMEMBERING THE FOUR "R's" OF GRAFFITI

The effect of graffiti...It's costly, creates a sense of fear and instability, lowers property values and sends a message that people don't care about their neighborhoods. It's also ILLEGAL when done without the permission of the property owner (public or private).

You see graffiti on a wall, fence, sign or building. Do you know what to do? What it means? How to remove it?  By remembering the four "R's" of graffiti, you can play a simple, yet very vital role in helping keep our community clean and safe.

READ...Recognize that you're looking at graffiti. Whether it is or isn't gang graffiti it's not supposed to be there, so it's important to take the following action so it can be removed as quickly as possible. 

RECORD...Stop and take a photograph if possible with a cell phone or a digital camera. If a camera is not available, draw a picture or write down what it says as best you can.

REPORT...Contact your local Police Department and ask how to email them a copy of your photograph  You can remain anonymous. BE SURE TO STATE THE LOCATION (ADDRESS) OF WHERE THE GRAFFTI IS LOCATED. Gang graffiti tells a story, so it's imperative that the police have a chance to look at it before it is removed.

REMOVE...If the graffiti is located on private property it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove it. However, PLEASE contact the proper authorities before removing! If the graffiti is located on public property it will be removed by the proper agency.

If we all do our part as a community, then gangs will get OUR message! Their graffiti and their activities are NOT welcome in our community!

Apopka Police Department: 407-703-1771 or 407-703-1772

Orange County Sheriff - 407-254-7000

 

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Some Facts about Graffiti

  • Graffiti cleanup costs municipalities anywhere from several thousand to millions of dollars every year.
  • Immediate removal (within 24-48 hours) is one key to successful graffiti prevention.
  • There are four primary motivating factors for graffiti vandalism: fame, rebellion, self-expression or power.
  • According to the U.S. Dept. of Justice, graffiti contributes to lost revenue associated with reduced ridership on transit systems, retail sales and declines in property value.Graffiti generates the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity.*
  • You'll find all of these facts plus much more at  GRAFFITI HURTS A comprehensive web site with tips for clean up and graffiti prevention. 
  • Deborah Lamm Weisel, "Graffiti," U.S. Dept. of Justice Problem-Oriented Guides for Police, Series No. 9, (2002)*.  
 
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