Fighting graffiti in Minneapolis

Graffiti is nothing new to the area, but even though it’s nothing new, this time the amount was different. The next two weeks unfolded another piece of the reality South Minneapolis neighborhoods are living in. Three Latino gangs began marking their territory and crossing marks made by rival gangs. The first two, “Vatos Locos” and “Sur 13” have been active in the area for some time, but now there was a third player in town, “SSR” who came into the game and began marking the territory and crossing “Vatos Locos” and “Sur 13” marks. This is a clear sign that something bigger is about to happen and we could be facing a gang war that could spark any minute now.

“Vatos Locos” and “Sur 13” control the drugs and weapons dealing in the area, but now “SSR” –South Side Raza- wants a piece of the cake, which leaves millions of dollars a year in revenues.

Minneapolis Police Department began the investigation and, though they are not allowed to speak about an open case, they agreed to help us put together this article to engage the community in fighting graffiti. “Graffiti is an act of vandalism” said Sergeant Giovanni Veliz, from the 5th Precinct “but it’s hard to prove it. Unfortunately, we need to catch the people responsible of these attacks red-handed or have pictures or videos showing the accused during the act to proceed against them,” he said. “That’s why we need the help from the community to fight graffiti.”

But, what is graffiti?

There are two different types of graffiti: Gang-Related Graffiti and Artistic Graffiti. Both are considered as vandalism, though the second type could be legal as long as the person doing it has the authorization of the owner of the property to do it. Gang-related graffiti is always considered vandalism and is used by gangs to mark their territories and send messages to rival gangs.

Artistic graffiti usually includes lots of colors, strong designs and images. Gang-related graffiti is a series of words and symbols done in just one color over a wall with spray paint.

How to fight graffiti

Fighting graffiti is not an easy task; we must remember that it is a clear sign of gang activity in the area and that those gangs are dealing drugs and weapons in the zone. So, we need to report graffiti immediately. The police department will mark the spot, take pictures and associate it to an investigation.

After that, the next step is to remove the graffiti.

Experience told Minneapolis Police Department that if the owner of the property removes the graffiti, that spot is unlikely to be used again by gang members, maybe once more, but not more than that.

The Minneapolis Police Department has informative brochures about graffiti prevention and useful information to the public. The following is part of one of those brochures, published by the MPD:

“How to prevent graffiti:

1- Report suspicious behavior in the area.

2- If you witness graffiti painting, report it to 911 immediately or call 311 and they will tell you what to do.

3- If teenagers ask you for spray paint, ask them what for. According to Minneapolis Ordinance (chapter 223.170) it is a felony to sell spray paint to a teenager younger than 18.

4- Teach your children respect, community engagement and accountability. Tell them that graffiti is illegal and that there are legal consequences to engaging in graffiti activity.

5- Teach your children pride for their community. The more pride they feel, the more respect they will show for their community, their neighborhood and private property.

Protect your property:

1- Remove graffiti immediately.

2- Plant ivy or other plants; bushes or other plants that will prevent gang members from approaching your walls.

3- Put a fence to protect your property.

4- Make it harder for gang members to climb on your walls. Move away from your walls everything that could be used as a ladder.

5- If you decide to paint your walls, try darker colors instead of white.

6- Install motion activated lights in you patio or deck or any place surrounding your property.

7- Consider using protective paints. There are several of this kind in the market. You can check the Yellow Pages under “Graffiti Removal & Protection.” To find a place to buy them.

Organize your neighbors

There are many advantages to Block Clubs and Neighborhood Clubs. They are meant to protect your properties, so consider forming one if there none in your community. Once organized you can:

1- Create graffiti removal teams and help those with disabilities.

2- Ask the local businesses for support.

3- Create a “watch and report” force to keep an eye over the most vulnerable spots of your neighborhood.

4- Engage your teens and children in graffiti removal tasks.

5- Report and help Police Department detain gang members.”

(Source: Minneapolis Police Department)

Lyndale neighborhood is a great example of organization and community engagement to fight graffiti. The Lyndale Neighborhood Association passed a motion supporting the Graffiti Abatement Zone, which was designated as an eight block area from 34th to 38th Street, Nicollet to Stevens (freeway).

The city is responsible for public places but we must remember that owners are responsible for their own property.

Minneapolis offers a complete guide of resources and information about graffiti and how to prevent it, through its web site (www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us). The site has information in several languages. More information can be obtained dialing 311.

The Minneapolis Fire Department has free graffiti removal solvent and they can teach you how to use it. All they need is your commitment and will to engage in this activity. We most remember, this is our city and we cannot expect the city to solve every problem we face. Sometimes the city needs our support and this is one of those times.

The experience learned by Lyndale Neighborhood and the Minneapolis Police Department tells us that if we don’t remove the graffiti, the message we are sending is clear “We don’t care about our neighborhood, come do whatever you want.” But in the contrary, if we do clean and keep the effort to keep our walls clean, the message is way different “We do care about our neighborhood and our community. We don’t want you here.” Maybe this is the right moment to start sending this message.