Graffiti targeted under proposed ordinance

(10/08/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- It's a million dollar problem in Houston, and one you may notice when you drive down any street -- graffiti. There's a new effort to stop it. This week, Houston's city council will talk about a new ordinance designed to make those who paint and spray buildings think twice.

We all see the crime, but rarely the criminal. Graffiti can be viewed as either urban blight or beauty. Either way, it is illegal.

City council member Sue Lovell said, "We just sort of allowed this to happen, but never treated it as a crime."

If council members Sue Lovell and Adrian Garcia have their way, that will change. They're both embracing a new proposal to crack down on the people who create graffiti, and those who perpetuate it.

"It will be against the law for minors or juveniles to purchase or possess graffiti implements," Garcia explained.

That includes not only aerosol cans, but also certain pens and markers.

Lovell said, "There will be a fine of $500 if you do sell graffiti implements, and it will be unlawful for minors to have those implements on their person."

Under the new plan, fines will go up, depending on damage costs. Also, people who cause more than $1,500 in damage will be charged with a felony. What's more, property reported as tagged needs to be cleaned up within 10 days, whether privately or publicly owned. The current window is 30 days.

"That's just too long," Garcia said. "Because the longer you allow graffiti to exist, the more it will attract and the bigger it becomes."

Not to mention the costs. Each stop sign costs $250. Freeway signs can reach $1,500. Officials say graffiti is a million dollar headache. And they have a message for anyone who knowingly, or unknowingly contributes to it.

"Houston is our home, and you don't have the right to deface it," Lovell said.

Under the proposed plan, people could report graffiti cases through Crime Stoppers, and be eligible for rewards of up to $5,000. You can always call the city hotline at 311 to report it.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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