To
report graffiti 956-316-1234 Graffiti, a form of vandalism, is a problem that impacts our neighborhoods in a variety of ways. Without question it decreases property values in residential neighborhoods and negatively affects industrial and commercial areas. Graffiti is a serious signal of gang activity. Gangs use graffiti to mark their territory, tell of their existence, brag about superiority, claim credit for a crime, or target the rival gang or gang members as a potential victim of a shooting or other violence. Graffiti can also be a form of fashion statement or fad for teens. Antisocial behavior by high school aged teenagers is reflected in graffiti that has no gang significance and means no more than its literal definition or whatever is in the mind of the writer. This can often turn into what is known as "tagging", which in effect is when a person adopts a nickname, or "tag" and writes it on as many objects as possible.
The City of Edinburg has established a program for graffiti removal. This program under the Department of Solid Waste Management encompasses daily removal of graffiti from areas previously identified in the city, public relations materials and education. Public involvement and support are other significant factors. A Graffiti Hotline was implemented in 1996, this hotline provides a telephone number 316-1234 for reporting graffiti vandalism and "taggers". As an incentive rewards are paid. The amount of money is determined by a point system. The maximum amount receivable is $250.00. We encourage juveniles to use this hotline, as they are often aware of the identities of many taggers. The City stepped up its effort to help with the quick removal of graffiti by introducing a vehicle dubbed "The Eliminator". The Eliminator is a truck equipped with high pressure spray gun attached to tanks that hold paint or, if necessary, solutions to remove the graffiti from unpainted surfaces. Our relentless work over the last few year is illustrated by the number of structures addressed. Fiscal Year 98-99 582 structures, 99-00 980 structures, 00-01 949 structures, 01-02 661structures, 02-03 649 structures thus far, averaging approximately 80 structures per month. The success of the program is defined in the number of structures, 5,211 to date, addressed since program promulgation in 1996. We continue to ask for the public's support.  |
Becoming
aware of what's going on in your neighborhood and community and
getting involved is a way to stop graffiti. Thus the implementation
of the Citizen's Against Graffiti Committee in 1996, this committee
encompasses 6 voting members and 6 members in an advisory capacity
that meet every three months. Through the hard work and dedication
of these individuals we have been able to make a statement in our
community. We continue public relations through the distribution
of materials such as pens, chips clips, magnets and the latest addition,
a coloring book to be distributed at the schools. Working together
the community can eliminate graffiti altogether. When incidents
occur such as vandalism, loitering and drug activity, report them
to the police immediately.
