Soledad Police Department - Anti-Graffiti Program

Reporting Graffiti
When reporting graffiti, it is very important to have the exact physical address or location with a cross street and the type of surface that has graffiti (i.e. wood fence).

The Anti-Graffiti Program is designed to assist citizens in the removal of graffiti from private and public property. We will assist residents:

• By providing recycled paint to residents for graffiti abatement
• By assisting elderly and handicapped citizens with graffiti abatement
• By providing information or referrals on anti-graffiti information

What the Anti-Graffiti Program is Doing
Graffiti Eradication Program:  Private property owners will be notified requesting the problem with their property be corrected. The grace period is 48 hours after receipt of the notification. Phone numbers for citizen assistance may be provided. Complaints that are on public property are dispatched to the Community Services Department at (831) 223-5130 and are taken in the order they are received. All other property will be dispatched to the appropriate agency for removal.

Recycled Paint:   Recycled paint for abatement on your private property is available by request along with an informational brochure on graffiti. One gallon paint containers and paint brushes are available to "Wipe Out Watch" Volunteers, Residents and Businesses who would like to help paint out graffiti.

What Can You Do?

• Report graffiti immediately: Feel free to call the Graffiti Reporting Line at anytime. The number is (831) 223-5130 and is checked daily. You can report any graffiti in the community.
• Remove graffiti immediately from your property: Graffiti promotes other graffiti and increases the chances of more serious crime.
• Report graffiti vandals immediately: Citizens often see criminal acts take place and choose not to report it. They feel someone else will call or they don't want to become involved. If you get involved, it increases the chances of the suspect being caught and successfully prosecuted.

GRAFFITI: A Concern in Our Community
Graffiti creates fear in the community. As a result, there is a loss of pride and people begin to feel threatened in their own home and neighborhoods. Graffiti can lower the property value and negatively affect local business. No one wants to shop or live in an area in which they do not feel safe.

Graffiti forces communities to spend millions of dollars to cover or remove graffiti. Its presence can also indicate deeper community problems.

With a dedicated effort and a practical strategy, communities can reduce or even eliminate graffiti from their neighborhoods. Together, as a community, we can make a difference and help keep Soledad safe and beautiful.