 Graffiti Reporting
City of Santa Barbara Graffiti Abatement Hotline 897-2513 On-Line Reporting www.SantaBarbaraCA.Gov/Graffiti  Information about Graffiti
Vandalism vs. Art When somebody paints, marks or draws on a surface that they do not own and do not have permission from the owner of the property or building, it is considered vandalism. People often associate graffiti with unreadable, unattractive markings and forget that even if graffiti is an “artistic” looking drawing, it is still vandalism. How Does Graffiti Hurt? 
Property Value According to the National Association of Realtors, properties located in neighborhoods where there is graffiti vandalism lose 15% of their value. Safety Patrons of buildings, parks, or public facilities where graffiti vandalism has occurred may feel that if graffiti is tolerated, then more serious crimes, such as theft and assault, may also go unchallenged. Clean-Up Cost According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “an estimated $12  billion a year is spent cleaning up graffiti in the United States.” Additionally, thousands of local City of Santa Barbara dollars are spent on clean-up when they could be put towards such things as educational programs and services for the community. Graffiti Prevention Keep Up the Neighborhood – Make every effort to keep the appearance of a neighborhood clean and neat. Remove litter and trash, fix broken fences, trim landscaping, and ensure all lighting is working properly. Exterior appearances that suggest apathy and neglect attract vandals. Remove Graffiti Promptly – Rapid removal is an effective prevention tool. Data shows that removal within 24 to 48 hours  results in a nearly zero rate of recurrence. Graffiti Hotline: 897-2513 Encourage Citizen Reporting – Through resident reporting to the Graffiti Hotline with as specific information as possible, graffiti removal is able to occur in a more timely matter. Provide Alternatives – The Institute for Law and Justice, Inc. manual on safe neighborhoods suggests diverting graffiti criminals to positive alternatives. Throughout the City, youth have opportunities to participate in Teen Center programs, school clubs and the Boys and Girls Club. 
Graffiti Prevention Tips for Businesses Graffiti contributes to reduced retail sales, a decline in property values, and citizen fear. A business littered with graffiti is less likely to be patronized. Citizens feel less safe and secure entering a storefront where graffiti is present. The following are steps to take and aid in the prevention of graffiti:  Ongoing upkeep.
 Rapid removal.
 Control access.
 Incorporate shrubs, thorny plants, & vines to restrict vandal access.
 Add or improve lighting around the building to promote natural surveillance.
 Use fences, controlled entrance and exits and other barriers that discourage through traffic.
 Limit access to roofs by moving dumpsters away from walls and covering drainpipes to prevent vandals from scaling them.
 Set up security.
 Organize a “Business Watch” with nearby merchants to keep tabs on a business area. Businesses personnel to monitor property.
 Employ graffiti-resistant materials or coating on a chronically hit wall.
 Work with the community.
 Refrain from using graffiti images in ads or promoting graffiti in any way.
 Print graffiti prevention messages on bags, sales flyers, tray liners, book covers, calendars, and other promotional items.
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