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R E P O RT I N G
GRAFFITI
If you are the victim of graffiti, report it
immediately by calling 911. A police
officer will take a report documenting
the property damage. The officer may
take a picture of the damage to see if
similar graffiti has been reported in the
area. Photos of graffiti are shared with a
web-based, non-profit organization that
PREVENTING
serves the law enforcement community.
This photo database has proven to be GRAFFITI
helpful in successfully prosecuting graffiti
cases. IN OUR
Once the graffiti has been reported and
police have responded to the scene,
remove the graffiti as soon as possible.
COMMUNITY
9-1-1 C I TY O F P L Y M O U TH
3 4 0 0 P L Y M O U TH B O U L E V A R D
P L Y M O U TH P O L IC E
D E P A R TM E N T
T EL.763- 509-5160
P L Y M O U TH , M N 5 5 4 4 7
763-509-5000
by placing “tags” in as many places as ♦ Organize a neighborhood watch on
GRAFFITI possible or by painting highly stylized your block. Focus on graffiti clean-up
IS A CRIME “pieces.” Taggers consider their work to and prevention efforts.
be art. In reality, graffiti is vandalism.
Graffiti is a costly crime—the cost of The final type of graffiti is gang graffiti.
removal and repair can be staggering. This is a much less common form of R E M OVA L
The cost of doing nothing, however, is graffiti in Plymouth. Gang graffiti is
far greater. designed to promote a gang, mark a
TIPS
At one time, graffiti was a problem territory, recruit new members or
associated with larger cities. In more intimidate. It may include letters, symbols If you are a victim of someone placing
recent years, graffiti has spread to or numbers known only by gangs or law graffiti on your property, you are
suburbs, small towns and rural areas. enforcement. Gang graffiti is used to responsible for removal. Removal
Because vandals like to mark surfaces convey messages to other gangs. guidelines vary based on the type of
where their peers will recognize their surface damaged.
“tags,” they do most of their damage Painted Surfaces
where they live and play.
B E P ROAC T I V E The following pertains to painted
Crime often increases in neighborhoods wood, painted concrete and painted
where graffiti is allowed to proliferate. stucco:
♦ Teach your children responsibility, pride
Graffiti left untouched creates blight and
in community, respect for themselves, as Apply a stain-killing primer or
encourages littering, loitering, and more
well as respect for their environment pigmented shellac. This will keep the
graffiti. If left on surfaces too long,
and the property of others. They must graffiti from bleeding through fresh
perpetrators assume the neighborhood
know that graffiti is not a form of art— paint.
will tolerate more graffiti.
it is a crime.
Repaint the surface with a color that
♦ Report suspicious behavior to the closely matches the original surface.
TYPES OF police. If you see someone writing
Unpainted Surfaces
graffiti, call 911 immediately!
GRAFFITI Brick, cement, concrete, stone, stucco or
♦ If you know of someone who engages
There are three basic types of graffiti. in this form of vandalism, contact the aluminum siding are more difficult
The most common type is simple Plymouth Police Department. surfaces for the removal of graffiti. For
vandalism. Vandals spray paint, draw, best results, consult a paint expert. They
♦ If you are the victim of graffiti, after it is can also tell you what type of removal
or otherwise deface property—usually
reported remove it! product would be best given the type of
just for fun.
♦ Plant vegetation to protect walls and surface that has been damaged. Addi-
The second type of graffiti is called tional information can be found on
“tagging.” Taggers feel they gain other large, flat surfaces.
several websites.
recognition and status from their peers ♦ Increase lighting around your property.
