Yuma Has Graffiti Vandals “On Notice”
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The City of Yuma doesn’t tolerate graffiti and we’re serious about education, eradication, and the enforcement of graffiti laws.
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We’ve all seen graffiti. The words, colors, and shapes drawn on buildings, fences, overpasses, and rail cars. It’s done without permission and it’s against the law.
Graffiti is unsightly and unwanted vandalism. To most people graffiti is just plain ugly, and in many current day situations in our community, it is gang related. Graffiti vandals believe their actions harm no one. The reality is graffiti hurts everyone. Graffiti contributes to reduced retail sales, a decline in property values, and citizen fear. The appearance of graffiti is often perceived by residents and passers-by as a sign that crime is rampant, even though this is not necessarily true. Graffiti investigations, apprehensions, and cleanup take a big chunk out of City budgets, money that could be used for parks and other recreational areas, crime prevention and investigation services.
Street gang members put up graffiti to increase their visibility, threaten rivals, and to intimidate residents in the area. Graffiti devalues property and makes people feel unsafe in their neighborhoods. In addition to its unsightly appearance, graffiti can provoke gang rivals into a confrontation. The longer graffiti is left up in a neighborhood, the greater the risk that the threats will be acted upon. NEVER confront or challenge someone who is tagging. If possible, obtain an accurate description of the individuals, vehicle, and license plate number. All information should be passed on to Yuma Police Department. In all emergency situations call 9-1-1, if not an emergency, please use the non-emergency number 928-783-4421.
Punishment for graffiti vandalism can consist of community service, probation or as severe as a jail sentence, and may including fines and restitution. Vandalism is a crime, not a prank. If you find graffiti in public places, please call the Graffiti Hotline at 928-329-2828 for immediate free removal.
For more information or if you would like to be added to our volunteer list for the next graffiti eradication event, please contact Parks and Recreation.
