Graffiti Vandalism is Costing Taxpayers a Bundle

The running battle between taggers (graffiti vandals) and those who would like to stop their spray cans continues unabated throughout the Truckee Meadows. For all of us regular citizens, the problem is unsightly, expensive, and potentially dangerous because much of the activity is gang-related. According to Reno PD Sgt. Ray Magee, supervisor of the gang unit, graffiti in the city is about 40% by gangs and 60% simple vandalism. Since most of us don't know which is which, reporting graffiti and getting it removed quickly is actually a public safety issue.

And there is lots of it. During 2007/2008, the 2008 Report on the Status of Gangs cites the removal of over 12,000 graffiti splotches in Reno, 19,800 in Sparks, and 200 in Washoe County. In Reno alone, that cost us over $379,000. Despite law enforcement and citizen efforts, the number of graffiti incidents has held fairly steady over the last few years.

Learn more about reporting and discouraging graffiti at these websites...

• City of Reno: Report Graffiti
• Reno PD Online Reporting System
• Reporting Graffiti in Washoe County
• Sparks Police Department

To report tagging in progress, call the Dispatch Center at (775) 334-2121. You can also report graffiti incidents through Secret Witness by calling (775) 322-4900. You can remain anonymous and still receive a reward if the information you provide leads to the arrest and conviction of graffiti vandals.

Source - Reno Gazette-Journal and agency websites.

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