What is Graffiti?
Graffiti is writing or drawing any place you are not supposed to. Like on desks, books, street signs, fences, buildings, houses, freeway overpasses etc. Graffiti is a form of vandalism and it is against the law. When someone gets caught creating graffiti, they can be arrested for vandalism, given a ticket, taken to jail or detention, and be made to pay for the damages they caused.
Graffiti is present in almost all communities. Although there are forms of graffiti that are not associated with gangs or gang activity, it is still destructive and costly for communities to correct. Gang members use graffiti to mark their territory, to gain attention, and to communicate with and challenge other gang members. Gang graffiti should be taken very seriously and communications that may take place through graffiti can result in serious consequences and gang violence.
All of us want and need attention and recognition for who we are. Youth who CHOOSE GANG FREE know positive ways to get attention and are recognized for positive choices and activities.
Gangs and tagging crews will create graffiti anywhere without regard for public or private property. Graffiti can consist of:
While the majority of graffiti is done using spray paint or markers, graffiti is anything that leaves a mark including:
Graffiti is present in almost all communities. Although there are forms of graffiti that are not associated with gangs or gang activity, it is still destructive and costly for communities to correct. Gang members use graffiti to mark their territory, to gain attention, and to communicate with and challenge other gang members. Gang graffiti should be taken very seriously and communications that may take place through graffiti can result in serious consequences and gang violence.
All of us want and need attention and recognition for who we are. Youth who CHOOSE GANG FREE know positive ways to get attention and are recognized for positive choices and activities.
Gangs and tagging crews will create graffiti anywhere without regard for public or private property. Graffiti can consist of:
- pictures
- words
- symbols
- names
- or any other form of visible marking
While the majority of graffiti is done using spray paint or markers, graffiti is anything that leaves a mark including:
- scratching
- denting
- burning
- or any other form of visible marking