Graffiti can impact communities in many visible ways. There is a wide range of markings, etchings, and
paintings that deface and sometimes completely ruins public and private property. Despite the common
association of graffiti with gangs, it can be found in cities and counties of all sizes including Arapahoe County
and the City of Centennial and is not gang related.
Graffiti is a crime, an act of vandalism, not an art form. As with other forms of vandalism, graffiti is not
routinely reported to law enforcement.
Graffiti is a growing concern throughout the Denver metro area. Graffiti vandals believe their actions are
harmless. In reality, graffiti affects homeowners, businesses, communities and schools. Graffiti is an eyesore that
can affect property values, burden tax dollars, and make residents feel unsafe. According to the Rocky Mountain
News, graffiti removal in 2006 cost Denver taxpayers approximately $1
million dollars.
In 2007, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office investigated 320 reported
cases of graffiti vandalism. In the first three months of 2008, 126 reports
of graffiti have been reported.
The goal of the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office is to remove graffiti within one
week of being reported. Citizens are encouraged to report graffiti on
public property by contacting the Sheriff’s Office at 303-795-4711. Individuals providing information that result
in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for graffiti vandalism in the City of Centennial and Arapahoe
County may be eligible for monetary awards.
Here are some Graffiti prevention tips:
• Keep up the neighborhood. Keep the appearance of a neighborhood clean and neat. Remove litter and
trash, fix broken fences, trim landscape, and ensure all lighting is working properly.
• Remove graffiti promptly. Rapid removal of graffiti is an effective prevention tool. Data shows that
removal within 24 to 48 hours results in a nearly zero rate of recurrence.
• Get educated on graffiti and other forms of vandalism and how these crimes impact communities.
• Organize a Neighborhood Watch Program in your community.