Graffiti is a crime

Residents must stop the increased gang graffiti occurring in the City by immediately removing graffiti damage.

The reason is simple; gang graffiti brings in undesirable people to congregate, sell drugs and cause rival gang problems to occur. Graffiti is not a minor mischief, prank or innocent artistic expression. Any placement of graffiti on another person’s property without their consent is vandalism, plain and simple, and it’s a crime. More criminal activity will occur and spread if it’s not stopped it now. If you do not remove graffiti immediately the gangs will feel empowered.

Graffiti occurs within seconds. If you remove the graffiti promptly, there is a better chance for witnesses or police to observe the act in progress. Vandals will soon realize that these areas are not desirable because property owners and citizens are aware and watching out for them.

The Police Department investigates and compiles information on all graffiti vandals in an effort to charge all those involved. It takes a community wide approach to clean up and stop graffiti vandalism. Property owners, government, educational institutions, courts, and police are continuing to organize and set goals that everyone can achieve, strictly enforce laws, and educate offenders on the impact of graffiti. Graffiti vandalism may never be completely wiped out, but when a message is sent that this City will not tolerate any type of graffiti, we all can dramatically reduce the number of incidents.

Graffiti Categories and Resources

In progress graffiti: Call 911

Report graffiti: Call hotline 612-673-2090 for reporting

Graffiti investigations: 612-673-5722

Graffiti removal tips: ccpsafe@ci.minneapolis.mn.us or

www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/graffiti

Metro Transit Free Paint Program:  612-348-3777

City of Minneapolis Home Page:  www.ci.minneapolis.mn

On line reporting:  www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/e-report

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