Graffiti Removal
Graffiti continues to be a source of frustration and concern for the residents of Spokane County. Graffiti vandals costs our community tens of thousands of dollars in removal and clean up costs each year. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Valley Police Department and Spokane Police Department are committed to apprehending and prosecuting the offenders as well as helping to remove this unsightly destruction of property. The police cannot address this problem alone. With the assistance of all concerned citizens we can enhance the image and aesthetic value of our beautiful city.
What Can You Do To Help?
- Why should you be concerned about graffiti? Graffiti is a serious crime that impacts all members of the community. Removing graffiti and repairing the damage it causes costs community tax dollars. Properties can be devalued and business owners can lose customers from the negative image that graffiti generates. Moreover, the presence of graffiti can send the message that a community is in decline or over-ridden with crime.
- How can you report graffiti? You can help reduce graffiti by immediately reporting all graffiti sightings. The faster graffiti is cleaned up, the less it appears. To Report Graffiti, call Crime Check at 509-456-2233.
- If you witness someone committing graffiti vandalism: Call 911 immediately! Never confront a graffiti vandal. If you spot a site where graffiti has occurred, call Crime Check at 509-456-2233.
- What else can you do to help fight graffiti? Volunteer! To volunteer to help remove graffiti, send an email to graffiti@spokanesheriff.org
Link to Spokane Valley Police Department Graffiti Flyer
Fixing the "Broken Window"
When discussing the consequences of graffiti vandalism, advisors often refer to "the broken window theory." The subconscious connection between graffiti and more serious crimes hurts property values, business growth and tourism. Graffiti also attracts other forms of crime and street delinquency to the area; slowly replacing the sense of ownership once common among residents with fear, anxiety and frustration.
Graffiti removal, however expensive, is necessary and should occur within 24 to 48 hours of discovery.
