Dietrich estimates the city has recorded only 400 graffiti crimes so far this year, while over 700 incidents were documented last year. Though the downtown area is experiencing increased problems with graffiti, most of the incidents tend to occur in parks and near shopping centers. These crimes also occur in the roadways on light posts and utility boxes and on the Interstate 80 corridor near the old Lincoln highway. Dietrich said that four years ago, about 30 percent of the reported graffiti crimes occurred on private property. However, in recent years the private property incidents have increased to about 50 percent.
Most graffiti consists of random names and messages spray-painted on public or private property.
Gang graffiti is often reported, but city officials do not believe this type of vandalism is occurring at an alarming rate. Dietrich noted that despite continual problems with graffiti, the city facilitates a reasonable program to remove graffiti from public places. However, private businesses usually hire private contractors to repaint over the graffiti, making their expenditures higher. The City of Davis has implemented programs and taken several initiatives to combat graffiti in the local area. The City meets with the District Attorney's office in Sacramento once a month and networks with other communities to discuss and confront the problems of graffiti.