Types of Graffiti
TAGGER-tags, monikers, murals, more ornate
GANGS-intimidate, mark turf or send messages/terrritorial rather than regional, leads to violence and usually involves multiple symbols
SNIPE-advertisement type graffiti such as signs or posters without permission
HATE- racial, religious, or cultural slurs
GENERIC OR CONVENTIONAL GRAFFITI-includes random markings
Graffiti lingo
TAG-a stylized signature usually simple and one color
THROW UP-a more elaborate tag normally using more than one color, but it takes much less time than a piece
PIECES-short for masterpieces, these are large, detailed drawings, sometimes in 3-D or other special effects
BOMBING-to hit many different surfaces with graffiti vandalism
CREW-a group of graffiti vandals
SLASH-to put a line through or graffiti over someone else’s graffiti
BURNER-a very large, elaborate, detailed piece of graffiti
BUFFING-to remove graffiti by chemical or other methods
Tips to help prevent graffiti vandalism
- Keep your property well maintained
- Keep your property well-lit; vandals fear light
- Eliminate reasons for loitering such as benches, pay phones, etc.
- Plant bushes or fences in areas to impede access to buildings
- Install security cameras and motion sensor lighting
- Limit access to roofs
- Report suspicious activity and encourage neighbors to do the same
- Take pictures or video of all graffiti attacks
Don’t discount graffiti vandalism as a harmless prank. It is a crime, so treat it as one and report it to the police. If someone is caught, follow through with arrest and prosecute!
Be proactive! You are responsible for your property and its upkeep.
Organize neighborhood watch groups.