Typically, graffiti will include the name of the gang, nicknames of the members of the gang, slogans or symbols exclusive to the gang, the territory claimed, and even the names of affiliated gangs. Graffiti also includes threats and challenges to rival gangs. In addition, graffiti can be used to show disrespect for rivals. Because members of different gangs often live in close proximity to one another, graffiti can provoke confrontations. When graffiti is not cleaned up immediately, it will multiply as different gangs cross out rivals and add their own graffiti messages.
Gangs use graffiti to gain recognition or to express the identity of the gang.
Gang members are motivated to put up graffiti because it reflects their loyalty to the gang. Graffiti is used to promote or enhance the names and reputations of the gang and gang members. In some cases, gang members use graffiti to brag about crimes they have committed. It is also not uncommon to find graffiti at the scene of a burglary or other crime. Graffiti Specifics Street gangs use their own language to communicate with one another through graffiti.