Preventing Graffiti
There are many things residents and business owners in Minneapolis can do to prevent graffiti:
- Report suspicious behavior
If you see someone about to write graffiti or commit any other crime, call 911 immediately. You may report anonymous tips about graffiti vandals by calling 311. - Question teens who try to get spray paint
There is a Minneapolis ordinance (Chapter 223.170) that prohibits sale of spray paint cans to anyone under 18. If teenagers ask for spray paint, find out how the paint is going to be used before providing them with it. - Teach responsibility and respect
Your children need to know that graffiti on private and public property is illegal and disrespectful. - Teach community pride
Parents, teachers, and community leaders should help discourage graffiti. The greater the stake a teen has in his or her community, the less likely he or she will vandalize it. - Protect your own property
For tips on protecting your home or business against graffiti, go to Graffiti Solutions. - Organize:
There are many advantages when block clubs, neighborhood organizations and other groups band together to protect their environment: - Form a neighborhood graffiti removal crew and help those who are not able to do so themselves
- Get neighborhood businesses to sponsor clean-up and prevention efforts
- Create a watch force for areas frequently vandalized
- Involve community youth in removing graffiti
- Help identify and apprehend graffiti writers involved in graffiti
- Participate in the city’s public property adoption (adopt-a-litter container, adopt-a-block, and adopt-a-street) programs
- Assistance
Crime Prevention Specialists maintain block clubs, recruit and train block leaders, respond to crime trends and present safety and neighborhood liveability information to the public.
The Clean City Coordinator assists with public property adoptions and graffiti prevention tips. Please call 612-673-2789 for details.
Last updated Dec 18, 2014
