Graffiti – Crime or Art?
The “Be Someone” message painted on the bridge on I45 in downtown Houston was a local icon for ten years. The original artists re-painted it anytime it was vandalized or altered. They changed it a few times based on timely activist messages. In 2021 they announced they would no longer be keeping it up. But earlier this month, the message was changed to “No War Know Peace.” This famous graffiti opens up the question – crime or art?
Legally Speaking
Officially, graffiti is illegal in the City of Houston and Harris County. It is a misdemeanor as long as the damage is under $500 and a first offense. So obviously it is a crime.
Many believe that gangs are the biggest graffiti writers. The reality is that less than 10% of graffiti was created by gangs. In fact, according to the City of Houston, “Suburban males, pre-teen to early 20s, commit approximately 50% of graffiti vandalism.” In addition to being illegal, graffiti is also costly. Removing graffiti often relies on taxpayer dollars. The city estimates cleanup costs about $1-3 per person.
Graffiti can also affect property values and create more street crime and trespassing offenses, with the vandals typically out at night trying to stay under cover.
Artistically Speaking
While we know it is a crime, is it also art? Surely no one but gang members themselves consider gang graffiti as art. “Tagging” is more about highlighting a person or group. This graffiti tends to be more graphic and often would be considered art. Some graffiti writers are so prolific that their tags can be found across the city. The unknown artist Toeflop has left his mark all over Houston. Locals regularly post a new sighting of the name on social media. While maybe not art in the traditional sense, it can certainly be described as a cultural endeavor across the city.
Preventing Graffiti
Removing the graffiti within 24-48 hours is the best way to prevent a recurrence in the same spot. The city has found very few cases of repeat offenders in the same location when clean up is timely. Some communities have also created paintbrush art walls in areas that attract graffiti. A graffiti writer will rarely deface a painted mural or wall art.
Help Removing Graffiti
The City of Houston’s Environmental Services Center, at 11500 South Post Oak, provides repurposed paint free of charge to citizens for the removal of graffiti, Fridays, 9 a.m. – 12 noon. The HCSO’s Graffiti Abatement program is a FREE service for all citizens and businesses in the unincorporated areas of Harris County.
We Can Help
Protect your business from vandalism and graffiti. Cultris Security Systems can help. Video surveillance and access control keep trespassers off your property or catch them in the act. Call us today at 281-506-8466 or visit us online for more information.
