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
Community Crime Prevention/SAFE assists residents to develop strong community groups and good working relations with the Minneapolis Police Department.

Community Crime Prevention/SAFE:
1st Precinct - 673-2923
2nd Precinct - 673-3204
3rd Precinct - 673-2856
4th Precinct - 673-3803
5th Precinct - 673-5585
Graffiti Investigations - 673-5722
Clean City Coordinator - 673-2789

Last updated Feb 21, 2013

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