Web Site Fuels Graffiti, Tagging Issue In Oregon
Graffiti Artists Brag About Art On Web Site

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Graffiti is a growing issue in Portland, Ore., and police said a popular web site is fueling the problem.

The web site is called 12 Ounce Prophet, and graffiti artists, or taggers, go there to brag about their crimes.

Marcia Dennis is the graffiti abatement coordinator for Portland's graffiti removal program.


She said web sites like this one fuel a competition amongst taggers.

"They put it up in the most difficult places. They want it to stay up forever, and now that there's the internet, they can post their photos there and have bragging rights on the internet, " said Dennis.

Portland police are having trouble finding the taggers, because most of the postings are anonymous.

They estimated that graffiti vandalism costs people in the Portland metro area more than $2 million dollars a year.