Can Help Take a Stand Look around your community. Vandalism Costs Schools pay out millions of dollars each year to clean up graffiti, repair buildings, or replace vandalized equipment. That means less money for new books, computers, sports equipment, and student activities.
Businesses pass the costs of vandalism on to customers through higher prices.
Graffiti identifies territorial boundaries, lists members, and communicates with rival gangs. A community's first step in taking back its streets from gangs is getting rid of graffiti immediately. This power struggle can't be won overnight, but persistent communities working in partnership with law enforcement almost always emerge as victors. You Can Help Prevent Vandalism Educate the public, especially young people, about the costs of vandalism. If you see anyone committing vandalism, report it to the police, school authorities, or someone who can take action.