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GRAFFITI HURTS
Public
Education Program (PEP) for Graffiti
“The
Mission of PEP Coalition is to significantly reduce graffiti vandalism
in our community through a comprehensive program of education, public
awareness, eradication and enforcement. It is our goal to inform
citizens, businesses, law enforcement, government agencies, and schools
of the social and economic impacts of graffiti, and involve them in
positive actions .We will strive to instill in our children a sense of
respect for public and private property.”
Get Involved!
Please join
us for our PEP Networking Meeting
When:
The second Wednesday of every month
Where: the Greater
Riverside Chambers of Commerce, 3985 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Time:10:00 am
2008
PEP Meeting Schedule
Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
Wednesday, September 10th,
2008
Wednesday, October 8th, 2008
Wednesday, November 12th,
2008
Wednesday, December 12th,
2008
Please contact
Tijana Quilici at (951) 683-7100 or
tquilici@riverside-chamber.com for more information.
Meetings are
subject to change, so please call before attending.
What is Graffiti
Vandalism?
The different
between graffiti and art is permission. Graffiti vandals use paint,
markers, or chemicals to scratch monikers or elaborate designs into
property such as fences, walls, buildings, train cars, bridges, desks,
etc., without the owner’s permission.
Why Does It Appear?
The majority of graffiti is done by vandals known as taggers. Taggers
are motivated by the need to be recognized. They believe that the more
they vandalize public areas, the more respect they’ll receive from other
graffiti vandals. Many taggers also think participating in other illegal
activities such as shoplifting materials and trespassing adds to their
status. Once graffiti is present in an area, it invites other vandals to
do likewise in the same area or nearby. Thus, graffiti can begin a
downward spiral if not removed immediately.
How It Hurts Our
Community
Graffiti that is not promptly removed sends a message that nobody cares,
attracting other forms of crime to the neighborhood. Graffiti drains tax
dollars. Funds that otherwise could be used for school programs,
recreational facilities, and other community improvements are used for
graffiti removal programs in an effort to maintain the city and reduce
crime. Residents feel less safe and secure in an area where graffiti is
present. Neighborhoods with graffiti experience a decline in property
values, loss of business, reduction in tourism, and reduced riders on
public transit systems.
What Helps Prevent
Graffiti?
Education: Develop an
educational component and incorporate graffiti education and prevention
in schools, businesses, and community groups.
Eradication: The most
effective way to prevent future graffiti is prompt removal. While this
may be challenging, studies show that removal within 24-48 hours results
in a nearly zero rate of reoccurrence.
Enforcement: Consistent
enforcement of local ordinances with strict penalties for graffiti
vandalism is effective. In Riverside, residents
can report graffiti by dialing 3-1-1 from a Riverside home phone or cell
phone.
Report Graffiti!
With all that Riverside is doing
to prevent graffiti, you may be wondering, “What can I do?” The answer
is REPORT, REPORT, REPORT. As of September 2007, within the
City of Riverside you can dial 3-1-1 from your
landline and
most cell phones to report graffiti. If you are witnessing a
graffiti crime in progress call 9-1-1. For more information about
graffiti and how it hurts our community please visit
www.graffitihurts.org.
How Can I Deter Graffiti?
Quick removal is essential
to thwart graffiti vandals; however, there are some ways to hamper the
act of graffiti. They include:
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Incorporate thorny shrubs, plants and vines to restrict vandal
access.
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Add or improve lighting around fences, borders, and buildings to
promote natural surveillance.
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Use fences, gates, railings and other barriers that discourage foot
traffic.
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Limit access to roofs by moving dumpsters away from walls.
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Become a part of Neighborhood Watch or Business Watch
Peel Away Graffiti
Did you know that you can purchase a product
that "peels" graffiti away from glass? It is a window film that can be replaced
in 1 to 2 hours on a service call. It is 1/4 of the cost of replacing glass and
accomplishes the same goal of quick eradication. For more information call (951) 683-7100.
Other Resources
Graffiti Hurts®
has updated its web resources
on graffiti removal to respond to your requests for more information on
Plus, information is now easier to find, including a simple chart for a
quick look at how to get started on graffiti removal. Still there is
the in-depth information on all removal methods, including environmental
and safety concerns.
You can access this new resource from the front page of the
Graffiti Hurts®
web site at
www.graffitihurts.org, or, go
directly to the web page at http://graffitihurts.org/community_resources/removal.cfm.
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