|
Graffiti affects us all. Graffiti is an act of vandalism
that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to remove or cover every year.
Unfortunately there isn't enough money to remove all of the graffiti,
thanks to cutbacks in our Public Works department. This is why I
voted against the Mayor's 2002 budget.
If not immediately removed, graffiti sends out a message
that 'nobody cares' about the area. It also causes the area to look unsafe
and makes people concerned about their personal safety. This creates an
open invitation for more littering, loitering and other graffiti.
Unfortunately, it may also lead to an increase in other
crimes and acts of violence. Areas filled with graffiti are less appealing
to those who may be looking to buy or rent property. Property becomes
more difficult to sell and values are reduced.
The people who commit this kind of vandalism are bored
young people, gang members or simply people who are thriving to literally
'make their mark' by 'tagging'.
Property owners should remove graffiti on their property
within 24 hours after it appears. This will prevent the offender from
receiving the fame and recognition they desire when other taggers see
their 'tag' and reduce the likelihood that it will spread.
Graffiti, like other forms of vandalism, is a crime.
If
you see anyone committing vandalism, report it immediately to the police
1-204-986-6222.
Protect your property from vandalism by using motion sensor
lighting and locking gates. Volunteer your time, donate supplies or help
in any way you can to eliminate graffiti in your community.
Get organized! Form a neighbourhood graffiti removal crew,
or get involved in a community patrol. Adopt a street, park, school, church
or business that is a target for graffiti vandalism.
In addition to removing graffiti, consider planting trees,
bushes or flowers that may deter graffiti. Have a neighbourhood meeting
on vandalism to discuss its victims, costs and solutions. If you are a
victim of graffiti, please call the Police by telephoning 1-204-986-6222.
If your property has graffiti and there are no witnesses
or suspects, you may attend to your local Police Service Centre or District
Police Station to make a report.
Take a photograph of the graffiti whenever possible.
A
photograph will assist the police in linking the offender to other cases.
When identified the offender may face stiffer penalties and/or be required
to pay restitution.
A photograph may also assist your insurance company when
making a claim. If you know or have information about an individual(s)
involved in graffiti vandalism, you may report it to your local police
office or call Crime Stoppers. The Crime Stoppers program offers up to
a $2,000.00 cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
Property owners can call the Graffiti Hotline at 986-1234
for assistance or fill out a Graffiti
Removal form from the City (you'll need Acrobat to open the form).
If graffiti is becoming a problem in your area, contact
your local Neighbourhood Foot Patrol Officer or Community Police Officer for assistance.
|
