Research- Graffiti Art & Vandalism

What is Graffiti? 

The latest Wordpower Dictionarysays graffiti is “unauthorized writing or drawing on a surface in a public place.” It includes the horrible scribble you see painted or scrawled on fences, bridges, in subways, on the sides of buildings, houses, and elsewhere (also called tagging). Most of it is garbage that looks like 5-year-olds have done it. But some of it is colorful and might look artistic if it hadn't destroyed someone's property.
And that is the problem with graffiti — it is “unauthorized”, as the dictionary says, and it destroys someone's property. It is a crime, like stealing, because it steals the property owner's right to have their own property look clean and nice. And it makes repairs costly for the property owner; graffiti scribblers never offer to pay the cost of repairing their destruction, which may cost thousands of dollars.

Vandalism
Vandalism such as graffiti is usually done by the younger generation as they are influenced by the more experienced artists as mentioned, therefore they usually get in trouble by writing swear words which little kids can see and doing graffiti on walls, where they are not allowed to or have permission to do it. The stereotype image of a graffiti artist is no good nicks that do it just to annoy and disrupt the community.

Graffiti Vandalism is a Crime!

Graffiti Vandalism?? 
by using.....

Spray paint, paint markers, shoe polish dauders, drill bits, sandpaper, grinding stones, brillo pads, rocks, permanent markers, stickers (slap tagging), glass etching solvents.

Why Graffiti Matters?
Graffiti is an ongoing and significant issue our community.

It has a detrimental effect on the image and well-being of the city.
Graffiti vandalism negatively impacts on feelings of safety, property values and the well-being of our city. If it is not removed soon after it appears, it can become a magnet for more.
Graffiti vandalism or tagging is the illegal or unauthorised defacing of property (such as buildings, walls, fences or vehicles), with drawings, symbols or words. It is different from urban art, which refers to drawings, symbols or words on property, done with the property owner's consent.
Taggers see their tags as ownership of a space. Taggers are persistent, so certain areas tend to be repeatedly hit.
The council is committed to the eradication of graffiti vandalism in the city, but we also need the help from our communities.

Graffiti will always have a bad name

A few property owners pay to have colorful murals and other large-scale paintings on their walls and fences. Although some people try to say this is graffiti while the unauthorized scribble is “tagging”, the dictionary does not make a distinction. That's because graffiti already has a bad meaning in people's minds, so people who think they are “good” graffitists will need to find another word if they hope to make a positive impression.

DECLARATION OF GRAFFITI AS A PUBLIC NUISANCE
At the city of Oxnard, the city council hereby finds and determines that graffiti is a public nuisance and that the health, safety and welfare of the city's residents shall be furthered by the establishment of a graffiti prohibition and removal program; sales, possession, and storage regulations for graffiti implements; and a reward for apprehension of persons damaging, destroying, or defacing public or private property.

source: http://citycouncil.cityofoxnard.org/Department.aspx?DepartmentID=3&DivisionID=124&ResourceID=641


How is a community "hurt" by graffiti?

Graffiti vandals believe their actions harm no one. The reality is graffiti hurts everyone: homeowners, communities, businesses, schools, and you. And, those who practice it risk personal injury, violence, and arrest.

Transportation, property, and retail sales
"Graffiti contributes to lost revenue associated with reduced ridership on transit systems, reduced retail sales and declines in property value. In addition, graffiti generates the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity" reports the U.S. Department of Justice.1 The appearance of graffiti is often perceived by residents and passers-by as a sign that a downward spiral has begun, even though this may not be true.

Safety
Patrons of buildings, parks, or public facilities where graffiti vandalism has occurred may feel that if graffiti is tolerated, then other more serious crimes, such as theft and assault, may also go unchallenged.

Schools and youth
In schools, 52% of public high schools and 47% of middle schools reported incidents of vandalism during the 1996-1997 school years. Data shows little difference between cities, towns, and rural areas. Additionally, about 36% of students saw hate-related graffiti at school. (U.S)

Clean up costs
Many communities, private property owners, and public agencies the cost is rising each year.

GRAFFITI PROHIBITED
It shall be unlawful for any person to place graffiti on or apply graffiti to any public, private, or personal property located within the city without permission of the owner of the property.

Why do people draw graffiti?
Some people think it's cool or they are trying to impress other people. Some people do it to become more popular or to defy authority. Some people want to express their frustration, anger or revenge and don't know how else to do it. Street gangs also use graffiti to mark their territory.

If You Spray... This is What You Will Pay!
-In the City of Oxnard, graffiti vandals are now subject to $1,000 per graffiti offense. The parents of minors convicted of graffiti vandalism are now responsible for the payment of the fine(s).

-Convicted graffiti vandals can serve  of community service , jail time and/or face felony charges.

-Convicted graffiti vandals could also face revocation of their Drivers License.

What is the best way to prevent graffiti?

Graffiti Hurts advocates a three-pronged approach to graffiti prevention.

First, educate citizens about graffiti vandalism and empower them to take action. This includes targeted prevention strategies for businesses, homeowners, and other residents. And provide a way for citizens to report graffiti vandalism.

Second, remove graffiti promptly. While this may be difficult, studies show that removal within 24 to 48 hours results in a nearly zero rate of reoccurrence. Once graffiti is cleaned up, work to change the environment so that it does not occur again in that location. Simple Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies, such as changing lighting, landscape, and access to property are effective prevention tools.

Finally, ensure consistent enforcement of local ordinances with strict penalties for graffiti vandalism. Work with local law enforcement to ensure anti-graffiti laws are enforced, and that there is follow through in the court system.

Video about Graffiti Crime 

From the NYC transit authority, a 1988 video about the consequences of painting graffiti in the subway.


This commercial highlights the role of Crime Stoppers in dealing with graffiti.


Where they do Graffiti?

trains, buildings, public property.... etc....