Graffiti

Graffiti vandalism is a form of expression that includes symbols, nicknames or pictures painted on walls, fences or signs. The graffiti is drawn without the permission of the property owner and is used by the vandal as a means of gaining recognition.

Graffiti decreases property values and is a visible lack of respect for other people’s property. Graffiti attracts more graffiti, as well as criminal element.

All graffiti is illegal in Miami-Dade County. If convicted, the vandal will be fined, may face jail time, may have to pay restitution, and will have to complete community service hours. Parents of offenders may be liable for damages.

The best way to deter graffiti is to eliminate it as soon as it appears. You can also help fight graffiti by becoming involved in your neighborhood crime watch and reporting graffiti to your local police.

• To report graffiti in your neighborhood, call 311. They will contact Neighborhood Compliance staff so that an inspector can issue a warning notice to the property owner.
• If your property has been vandalized with graffiti, call the Miami-Dade County Police Department’s non-emergency phone number at 305-476-5423 (4-POLICE) to report the incident.
• Tipsters whose information leads to the arrest of graffiti vandals may be eligible for a reward. The public can call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) to provide an anonymous tip.

If you witness someone in the act of defacing property with graffiti, for your own personal safety, do not approach the graffiti vandal. Simply call the Miami-Dade Police Department’s non-emergency number, 305-476-5423 (4-POLICE), to report the incident. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

The best way to prevent graffiti is to plant vines or shrubs on the wall or structure that permanently covers it, as well as beautifies the area. Other alternatives are to use surface coatings, graffiti removal products, or simply paint over the graffiti.

Vines or plants can be used to prevent property from being a target of graffiti. Pumila, Bougainvillea Flowers, Thunbergia, Stephanotis and Allemande grow rather quickly and adhere to wall and fences. Covered surfaces prevent the graffiti vandal’s access to the wall or fence.