Phoenix spending millions to bust graffiti

09:16 PM Mountain Standard Time on Friday, June 1, 2007

By Rebecca Taylor / 3TV

Graffiti is a multi-million dollar problem in Phoenix and artists beware because big brother is watching.

High-tech cameras in Phoenix, are catching taggers red handed.

Graffiti is not only ugly to look at experts say it can breed other crimes like burglary and auto theft, but hidden cameras are helping lead to the arrest of some 40 taggers each month.

The sophisticated cameras are solar powered and motion activated.

“You never know where cameras will be placed, right now we have six through out the city of Phoenix,” said Tim Boling with the City of Phoenix.

Graffiti is getting so bad a new state law holds parent's responsible for damages up to $10,000 dollars.

“If any juvenile is convicted of a graffiti crime, they loose the opportunity to get their drivers license until their 18, if they already have a license it gets revoked,” Boling said.

To combat the problem the city uses 1.2 million tax dollars to rid the eye sore, each year.

The graffiti buster team sprays seven days a week.

“They'll figure out it's not a good area to tag and they'll go somewhere else,” Graffiti buster George Cota said.

“We're in line to get more cameras, we're going have them all over phoenix, and if we take your picture it goes to police dept. immediately and we’ll prosecute vandals,” Boling said.

You could earn a hefty reward for reporting graffiti in progress.

The city has set up a graffiti buster's hotline, that number is 602-495-7014 or call 911.