GRAFFITI HURTS!
Graffiti is not a "victimless" crime. Everyone in our community, both residents and businesses, is hurt by it. And graffiti isn't art. The difference between graffiti and art is permission!
We do not have to be passive victims of this crime that so negatively impacts our quality of life. There are a number of steps you can take to prevent graffiti from occurring on your property or reducing the odds of its recurrence.
- Report each incident to police immediately at 852-COPS. Report vandalism in progress to 911.
- Remove graffiti promptly. Data shows that removal or paintover within 48 hours results in a significantly lower rate of recurrence.
- Install lighting in dark areas, which are prime targets for graffiti
- Plant shrubs or thorny vines near frequently defaced areas to make access difficult
- Keep your property neat, well maintained and litter-free. An area that looks uncared for attracts graffiti, as well as more litter
In addition to these steps, KIC will provide a detailed report outlining the different methods of removing graffiti from a variety of surfaces. For smaller areas on non-porous surfaces such as utility poles, we can supply graffiti wipes and protective latex gloves. In some instances, larger graffiti vandalism can be reported to programs for individuals sentenced to court mandated community service.
For more information about graffiti click here.
If you are unable to remove graffiti yourself, call the Town of Islip Graffiti Hotline at 631-224-2772