HomeMy WebLinkAbout101514_Graffiti-Numbers-Down
website: rentonwa.gov
City of Renton - 1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
October 15, 2014
For more information contact:
Carlene Balcomb-Bartok, Graffiti Abatement Coordinator, 425-430-7362
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
2014 On Track to Be Lowest Graffiti Vandalism Numbers Since 2009
Public outreach, citizen volunteers and quick cleanup help reduce graffiti in Renton
RENTON: Graffiti vandalism in Renton has reached the lowest numbers in five yea rs, according to recent
statistics released by the city’s Graffiti Abatement Program. Since the city established the Graffiti Abatement
Program in 2008 to address the growing threat of vandalism occurring throughout the city, graffiti vandalism
has reached an all-time low throughout Renton.
The reduction in graffiti tags represent a 54% reduction over 2013 numbers and a 70% reduction from the first
year records were kept back in 2009. The second lowest numbers of graffiti tags was in 2011, attributed to a
significant number of graffiti tagger arrests made that year.
Over the past five years the city has tried a number of efforts to reduce vandalism, including offering graffiti
removal kits, a $300 reward for the apprehension and arrest of graffiti vandals, and an on-going active public
outreach and education campaign.
“I am delighted to see the results of our efforts and a reduction in graffiti in our city,” said Mayor Denis Law.
“By removing graffiti quickly, working with our volunteers and community to report taggers, and a
comprehensive public outreach campaign, Renton is establishing an effective citywide approach to fight
graffiti vandalism in all neighborhoods.”
This past year the city has been working closely with the Cascade Neighborhood to help them resolve their
vandalism problem. The neighborhood was able to get a grant through the city to help pay for the cost of
paint and anti-graffiti sealant. In one particularly hard-hit area of the Cascade neighborhood a fence was
painted and sealed, making clean up quick and easy. In addition, dedicated volunteers in the neighborhood
checked the fence every morning, and if graffiti was present immediately responded and removed it. After a
few tags and fast clean up by volunteers the fences have stayed clean an d graffiti-free for the past eight
months.
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“I am extremely pleased with the cooperative efforts of city staff and dedicated members of our community
that have stepped up to help make this city a more livable community,” said Mayor Law. “It really goes to
show how important teamwork and public-private partnerships are to effectively dealing with important
community issues.”
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