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The Writing is on the Wall and it has to Go! Let's
Take Back Our Community!
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GRAFFITI IS VANDALISM
Graffiti is the willful defacement of another's property by writing
words or drawing pictures with any marking
substance including felt pens, spray-paint, ball-point pens, or knives
for etching. Graffiti may be found on just
about any surface including walls, bus shelters, mailboxes and
sidewalks. In New Westminster, graffiti is
considered to be one of the most costly and difficult types of
vandalism to deal with effectively.
GRAFFITI AFFECTS EVERYONE!
Graffiti is not simply an individual's problem, but one that affects
everyone living in the community. If graffiti is
left, it may multiply and spread throughout the neighbourhood. Graffiti
leaves the impression that the citizens will
not deal with the problem, and this may encourage other types of
criminal activity. Graffiti may be obscene or
hateful and unsuitable for viewing by some members of our community.
Further, some people can be intimidated
by its presence. Graffiti should be taken seriously and dealt with
quickly.
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ERADICATE GRAFFITI
One of the best ways to deal with graffiti is to eradicate it
immediately. This can be accomplished by painting over
it or by using special cleaners to remove it. For more serious
problems, anti-graffiti paints that repel graffiti and
make clean-up easier are available. However, these are not the only
solutions; prevention and preparedness are
also necessary.
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GET INVOLVED!
In addition to practising prevention techniques, members of the
community can get involved in clean-up projects.
In fact, the New Westminster Police Service Crime Prevention Office
operates a community-based program
where police officers and volunteers work with property owners to
eradicate graffiti and increase awareness. Your
police are working to educate the public and to enlist the cooperation
of youth in the fight against graffiti.
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HELP KEEP THE CITY CLEAN!
Graffiti may never be entirely eradicated. However, incidents of
graffiti can be greatly reduced. Most importantly,
do not ignore graffiti. The longer it is left, the more costly it
will become for you and the rest of the community. A
clean city will be aesthetically pleasing, will attract new business
and will encourage tourism.
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REPORT THE VANDALS!
Graffiti vandals commit a criminal offence which may lead to charges
under the Criminal Code of Canada. If you
see graffiti vandals in the act, call the Police at 9-1-1 immediately.
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REPORT GRAFFITI!
You can also report graffiti via E-mail to the Crime Prevention Section
at graffiti@nwpolice.org
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