Graffiti

The visual appearance of our community could literally change overnight. Between dusk and dawn on any given day a neighborhood, business, or residence could undergo a transformation which, if no immediate action is taken, can ultimately have a profound impact on our entire community.

The agent of change is… Graffiti, and it is on the increase.

What is Graffiti?

Graffiti is not a victimless crime, nor is it a form of art. Graffiti is the deliberate defacing of public and private property without the owner’s permission.

Graffiti Hurts

  • Graffiti hurts every child, parent, business owner and taxpayer.
  • Merchants lose business because customers feel the neighborhood is no longer safe.
  • Graffiti vandals are at an increased risk of becoming involved in shoplifting or other criminal activities.
  • When left untouched, graffiti sends the wrong message…we are no longer in control…we can not keep order in our community.
  • Graffiti that is tolerated invites more of the same.

What can you do?

  • Remove graffiti immediately from your property.
  • Keep your property well lit, clean, and landscaped.
  • Plant shrubs with prickly or thorny foliage near walls and fences.
  • Join and/or organize a neighborhood watch.
  • Discuss respecting public and private property with your children.
  • Encourage merchants and neighborhood associations to contribute to the graffiti paint bank.
  • Report all graffiti to the Albany Police Department at 431-3288 or to Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful at 302-3098.
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