Graffiti vandalism is on the rise

Although some graffiti may have artistic merit, it is plaguing cities throughout the world. These eyesores can hurt property values, and can be associated with an increase in crime.

According to the Bureau of Justice, graffiti is the most common form of vandalism, and its cleanup is burdening businesses and property owners, while taking a chunk out of municipal budgets. American cities spend an estimated $12 billion on graffiti cleanup each year, not to mention countless law enforcement resources.

Some of the most common graffiti targets include schools, businesses, public transportation vehicles and stations, utilities, shopping malls, and government buildings.

Many cities are reporting an increase in graffiti complaints, including New York City. Medford, Ore., is experiencing an increase in graffiti, with much of it containing messages of police hatred, possibly in response to the police shooting in Ferguson, Mo.

The nonprofit organization Graffiti Hurts recommends rapid removal of graffiti. Data shows that removal within 24 to 48 hours reduces the recurrence rate to nearly zero. Some building codes now require timely removal of graffiti.

In response, Valspar offers built-in graffiti resistance in all its building products coatings, at no additional cost. This protection includes both existing buildings and new construction, allowing your projects to be resistant to all the elements.