The Writing On The Wall
It has been called the Newspaper of the Streets. What exactly do those cryptic, seemingly unintelligible scribbles mean? Graffiti can be divided into two types: graffiti done by taggers and graffiti done by street gangs.
Even though taggers and street gangs both use graffiti as an illegal form of communication, their intent is different. Taggers see graffiti as an art form, a game, or a friendly contest. Street gangs use graffiti to mark areas they frequent and to issue threats to their enemies.
The Taggers
Taggers are generally less violent than traditional street gangs. Tagger graffiti differs from street gang graffiti in that it is generally more intricate and more artistic than the graffiti a street gang would do. The graffiti that they paint on walls usually is done in several colors. This is usually designed ahead of time, and may have been sketched out in a notebook beforehand. Many taggers believe what they are doing is street art and is not a crime.
Another activity taggers are involved in is tagging, putting their moniker or tag, in as many places as they can. Taggers engage in contests with other groups, trying to outdo each other in terms of the number of tags put up, the difficulty of the artwork, or the difficulty of the location of the tag.
Street Gang Graffiti
Street gang members put up graffiti to increase their visibility, threaten rivals, and to intimidate residents in the area. It is usually much more primitive and sometimes more easily read than graffiti done by taggers. Gang graffiti may show alliances between gangs, mark the scene of a crime, or commemorate the death of a friend.
WHAT CAN I DO?
ALWAYS paint over graffiti immediately. Research done in California shows that areas painted over immediately are much less likely to be hit again. Graffiti is a status symbol to the tagger. Many communities have adopt-a-wall programs or programs that encourage volunteers to assist in cleaning off or painting over graffiti.
NEVER confront or challenge someone who is tagging a wall. Street gang members could be armed and may assault a challenger even if they are not. Remember, even taggers may be armed. If possible, obtain an accurate description of the individuals, graffiti, vehicle, and license plate number. Video of graffiti activities are also useful. All information should be passed on to your local law enforcement agency to investigate.