Graffiti is no longer confined to big cities, highway hillsides and occasional street signs. Ask any Turlock police officer and they’re sure to tell you Turlock, like just about every other city in California, has a graffiti problem.

Graffiti is not art.

Sure, there are those who can work wonders with a can of spray paint and a permanent marker, but we’re not talking about a particular style of artist.

We’re talking about the unsolicited “masterpieces” that have been popping up around town on fences, garage doors and the sides of buildings.

Today’s graffiti comes in various forms: Taggers, gangs and “hate” graffiti. Taggers are probably the most common, and they are the street artists.

Graffiti is increasingly a sign of gang activity in a community. For the gang, it is a means of identifying their “turf.” It is used to spell out the gang’s geographic territory, essentially telling rival gangs, “You are not welcome.”

There is no question that there is increased gang activity in the entire Valley. Look at the recent home invasion arrests. Police cite the increased methamphetamine trafficking and violent gang-related crimes right here in Turlock.

Though graffiti in Turlock is not rampant, it is here.

The bottom line is the same for all of us: Property damage, decreased property value, intimidation, fear and increased crime.

If we do nothing, the graffiti sends a message that we are not concerned about how our community looks and it amounts to a welcome mat for gang activity.

What do we do about it?

Be proactive in reporting graffiti to the Turlock Police Department. If your property is tagged, call the police so they can take photos for their files and then immediately paint over it.

Turlock youths assigned to community service spent their time Saturday morning painting over graffiti at 11 locations .

There are also volunteer groups that work to make a difference. Turlock is fortunate to have such programs in place.

However, graffiti breeds graffiti. This type of vandalism is more than a nuisance. It’s dangerous.

If left untouched the problems will spread throughout the community - and this includes your neighborhoods and schools.