What is Graffiti?
Graffiti is defined as writing, drawing, or symbols applied
to any surface without the consent of the property owner.
To create graffiti, vandals use a variety of materials,
such as automotive car paint, spray paint, crayons and
permanent ink. Etching surfaces is another way vandals
destroy property.
Graffiti can occur anywhere, however, some of the more
popular targets include public and private buildings,
recreational facilities, Canada Post mailboxes, playground
equipment, bridges and overpasses, public transit property
and vehicles. Graffiti is an act of vandalism that places
a significant burden on the Municipality’s budget.
Graffiti may also cause local property values to decrease
and can result in a heightened fear of
crime in the community. Murals
One of the best ways to deter vandals from applying graffiti
is to strategically place murals in areas that will beautify
a community. Most of the time a mural will not be touched
by graffiti vandals.Murals can depict the local history
of an area, which may serve to teach citizens about their
community. Further,
murals are inexpensive to co-ordinate in comparison to
the cost involved with constantly removing graffiti. GRAFFITI HURTS!
Sarasota's Graffiti Eradication program involves various
tactics, as follows: Eradication - COS can work with communities
to create programs which will discourage and eliminate
graffiti. Education - COS can raise community awareness
about graffiti and its negative impact. Empowerment - Communities can be enabled
to stop graffiti. Enforcement - Graffiti laws can be enforced
if citizens report graffiti as a crime, which will allow
economic growth and promote pride in the community.
Your Neighborhood's Role
in the Graffiti Eradication Program
We need your help! Graffiti can be deterred by:
• restricting access to walls by planting ivy and/or
thorny bushes
• applying graffiti-resistant coatings to protect
walls
• increasing lighting and visibility in vulnerable
areas
• installing video surveillance to monitor isolated
areas
• covering graffiti with murals
• considering Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design (CPTED), which deters graffiti and makes removal
of it easier and more economical
• establishing strong Neighborhood Watch program.
Under Florida
law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail
address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic
mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
