Graffiti cases up in Charlotte
01/02/2008 12:33 PM
By: Shawn Flynn

Graffiti in Charlotte
News 14 Carolina's Shawn Flynn is at the Carson Street light rail station with more on the vandalism problem.

CHARLOTTE -- The number of graffiti cases in Charlotte was up about 25 percent in 2007, and some of the most popular canvasses are located just feet away from light rail stations.



Authorities say some of the graffiti is becoming more elaborate, meaning the vandals are spending hours putting together their work in high-profile spots, like one off Interstate 277 in uptown Charlotte.

Much of the graffiti is related to gangs, however, the growing problem is with taggers, those who put their work up on buildings, overpasses and streets just for the fun of it. Some even take pictures of their work and post it online.



Graffiti was spotted on a wall at the Carson Street light rail station, just outside the News 14 Carolina building. Code enforcement inspectors say it appears kids were given paint and markers as gifts this holiday season with more than 100 reports of graffiti coming in just the past couple of weeks.



"It seems like for whatever reason when kids are out of school, anytime you have a break in their routine, or warm weather or just about anything, you have an increase in that,” said Mike Sullivan, of Charlotte Code Enforcement.



In 2006, there were just fewer than 1,400 reported cases of graffiti in Charlotte, that numbers increased to more than 1,800 cases last year.



Authorities say graffiti is really a crime where the victims are victimized twice. If the property owner doesn't clean up the graffiti, they could face a $100 fine from the city.



To report graffiti in Charlotte, call 311. If you see someone vandalizing property, call police immediately.