How can graffiti be stopped

Once a neighborhood looks uncared for, crime problems tend to increase. Graffiti has serious economic as well as psychological consequences in neighborhoods.

When graffiti shows up in neighborhoods, it communicates alarm. Here are ways to paint out graffiti that will discourage further vandalism. Often those involved in graffiti first mark their own notebooks and backpacks. Make sure your children are aware of the serious consequences of vandalism. Know where your kids are and who they are with. If you have any questions or concerns about graffiti, call the Mandan Police Department, Crime Prevention Unit, at The coating is made in such a way that the spray paint does not stick to the wall.

The graffiti is removed using solvents. The coating does not need to be reapplied after cleaning. Besides using the three coatings describe here, you can go for an anti-climb paint.

The oil-based does not dry, and as such, it is difficult for people to climb the walls. How often is graffiti seen in your area? What is your budget? It does not make sense to spend too much on coatings, if you are likely to paint your walls or change the signs often. Sacrificial and semi-sacrificial coatings may be better option in this case.

Furthermore, vandalism is likely to take place at certain times such as during political campaigns. As such, you must strategize accordingly.

You may want to use an anti-climb paint during such moments. Still, you must consider the costs of labour and buying the coatings. Graffiti is effectively prevented when you have bushes and shrubs with thorns growing near the walls.

It will be difficult for the artists to paint the walls effectively. Since the plants will take a while to grow, you may want to combine it with other methods such as proper lighting and use of coatings. Moreover, you can use an ornamental mesh on your wall.

It must be installed closely to the wall so that access is limited. A close-woven mesh is better than others because the artists cannot climb over it. Still, showing the public that an area is under your care will help eliminate vandalism. The artists target areas that seem abandoned yet accessible by the community. Always ensure that your home or office is clean and manicured.

Graffiti is always visible when a wall is painted using one colour. You can discourage it by using many and dark colours on the wall. Adding some texture to the paint, for instance, makes it difficult for an artist to exercise their creative prowess.

People engaging in vandalism avoid areas with security cameras, since the authorities will identify and arrest them. You should, therefore, invest in a surveillance system.

Fortunately, technology has evolved to the extent that manufacturers are coming up with cameras that can be hidden easily. You will view the activities at the comfort of your home using a Smartphone and take the necessary security measures henceforth. Some of the people involved in graffiti painting are usually unaware of the costs involved in cleaning it.

They also feel justified based on the issues that they hope to address, and may not be aware of the legal implications.

Coming up with a campaign to educate the public on such issues may help in the prevention process. You can come up with meetings and invite law enforcers and youths at risk. It is also important to put up a warning sign in your building. It may be daunting to organize a campaign on graffiti prevention, if you are uneducated about the issue. Find information on the demographic involved in the crime and the relevant laws.

By conducting simple surveys and making observations, you will obtain all the data required in your campaigns. Many building owners find it easier and cost-efficient to clean graffiti than going to the authorities. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

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Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Method 1. Create barriers. Install fences , gates, or locks to prevent easy access to an area. If you already have a wood fence that is not working, consider installing a metal fence or a chain link fence that is less attractive to a graffiti artist.

Unpainted fences attract graffitists. Cover with plants. Cover a space with vines, plants, or shrubs. Plants add to the beauty of a property and will make it more difficult for someone to reach the surface. Graffitists want an area with easy access. Thorny bushes such as roses, barberry, and pyracantha are an extra deterrent. They cover the area and are painful if someone tries to walk through them.

For example, if you have a business with a large empty wall, you may plant vines on the roof of the building that cascade down the side. If you have an exposed fence, you could plant bushes in front of the fence. Paint a mural or graffiti art. Ask local artists or students to come and paint your walls. If you're a business, ask them to create advertising for you. A covered wall is much less inviting. If you're a homeowner, consider painting on any exposed areas such as walls and fences.

Even patterns can serve as a deterrent because they take away the "blank canvas" appearance. Method 2. Keep property clean and neat. Properties that are not well kept tells others that you do not care about your property. Vandals are more likely to put graffiti on these properties because they think that they can get away with it.

Broken fences, unkempt landscaping, and litter are all signs that you do not care. Keep the spaces around your property clean as well. Use protective coating. Coat vulnerable surfaces with anti-graffiti coatings to prevent damage.

While the coating will not stop someone from damaging the surface, it will be much easier to clean and will result in much less damage.