Graffitti – A Description

Graffiti includes any inscription, word, or figure that is marked, etched, drawn, painted, pasted or otherwise affixed to any property surface without prior authorization by the owner of the property. Graffiti is often referred to as a "tag."

In general, graffiti vandals target walls that offer the most visibility and buildings that are vacant; however, any accessible, flat surface is susceptible to graffiti. In other cases the tags are the signatures of graffiti vandals looking for notoriety and recognition.

Hagerstown, like most cities, is experiencing an increase in graffiti. Property owners whose property has been the target of graffiti feel frustrated and upset that their property has been vandalized. To assist property owners, the City of Hagerstown has initiated an informational program to advise citizens on how to clean up graffiti and how to reduce the reoccurrence of graffiti.

Graffiti – A Crime

The act of applying graffiti is against the law.

If you have information regarding a graffiti crime in the City of Hagerstown, please contact the Hagerstown Police Department at 301-790-3700. The City of Hagerstown is offering a $100 cash reward leading to the arrest and conviction of graffiti vandals.

Graffiti – What to do

Graffiti, left untreated, deteriorates neighborhoods, lowers property values and detracts from the pride we have in our community. The best way to guard against the reoccurrence of this unsightly problem on your property is to remove it promptly and completely. Statistics show that quick and complete removal of graffiti will, in most cases, reduce the probability of being "tagged" again.

Graffiti – How to Remove it

The removal of graffiti depends on the type of material used in applying the graffiti and the type of surface to which it was applied. In general, the easiest way to remove graffiti from a painted surface is to paint over it. Many paint stores can match the color of the existing paint by your providing a paint sample.

Graffiti removal products are available, as well as, paint sealants that facilitate the easy cleaning of future episodes of graffiti. Contact your local paint retailer for more information on these products.

In some cases, power washing can be effective when the underlying surface is stable and will not be damaged by the force of the spray. Power washers are available for rent at most rental centers.

Several contractors offer building cleaning services. For information on this approach, please check the phone book under "Building Cleaning – Exterior" or "Cleaning Systems – Pressure, Chemical, Etc."

Graffiti – You Can Help

If you see graffiti in Hagerstown, call the Keep It Clean (KIC) graffiti hotline at 301-739-8577 ext. 542 and leave a message with the location of the graffiti. City inspectors will contact the property owner to encourage prompt and complete removal of the graffiti. If the graffiti is on City property, City crews will promptly remove it.

We appreciate your efforts to help improve the appearance of your property and neighborhood. Together, we can KIC the problem of graffiti!