It's unsightly.

It's vandalism.

It costs business owners big money to clean up and it's in the most obvious places.

Graffiti has become a front line issue for Raleigh city leaders looking to clean up the city.

“Well, I would say that it's an issue that we are aggressively pursuing because we are the Appearance Commission. It's obvious when you drive around town that you notice litter but definitely graffiti,” said Courtney Telfaire of the Raleigh Appearance Commission.

The Appearance Commission is trying to increase awareness about the problems of graffiti.

Whether you're walking around town or driving, people are starting to see more of it.

That's why the commission is working with law enforcement to wipe out the problem.

Raleigh police pointed out one location at the corner of Trawick Road and Marsh Creek as an example.

Utility boxes are big targets.

So what can be done?

“The best solutions are reducing the rewards of graffiti, which includes rapid detection and rapid removal. The idea of graffiti going up is so that it will be seen and lasting. Removing it quickly removes that reward. If the offender is not rewarded he less likely to do it again,” said Sergeant Tim Sincock

It's not an easy fix.

Both police and commission members believe it's going to take the help of the entire community to keep property, utility boxes, bridges and over passes free from graffiti.