While walking down the street, have you ever added trash to an already existing pile of garbage when no trash cans were present? This line of thought is known as the “Broken Window Theory.” A house with a broken window has a higher chance of getting more windows broken. When something is already tainted, more of the same is likely to occur.
Just like broken windows, vandalized walls are targets for more vandalism. If an area is perceived as neglected, some will see this as an invitation to vandalism. When graffiti is allowed to remain, other vandals will think it’s a place for their tagging too. Once more graffiti is added, a quick paint job on the surface may not be enough. Once vandals have tagged it, they might now consider it their space to keep tagging.
Graffiti gives the impression that the building or neighborhood has been abandoned. At Scorpion Surface Cleaning, we’re passionate about removing graffiti tags quickly. The longer graffiti stays up on the wall or surface, the more likely it will happen again and again. A swift response is the best response. Furthermore, the National Association of Realtors reports that properties with graffiti lose 15% of their value and nearly 25% when the graffiti is profane or hateful in nature.
Understandably, you may be reluctant to paint over graffiti immediately because of the expense. You might think a paint job will cost you more in the long run because the vandals will only come back. However, removing the evidence of vandalism dramatically prevents future graffiti. By immediately painting over graffiti, vandals are prevented from viewing the property as abandoned and fair game. They will know their tagging will not last long if placed on your walls and keep walking.
Another reason to remove it quickly is that leaving graffiti on your building for more than 10 days is a violation of the City of Portland code. If forced to remove it, the City may charge you, plus an overhead fee of 25% and a civil penalty of $250 for each abatement.
Calling the police and installing security cameras is only part of the solution. The key to graffiti abatement is to fix the signs early on. Let us help you regain control of your surfaces.
