Graffiti is an unwelcome addition to urban blight. West Mt. Airy Neighbors distributes free Graffiti Removal Kits to any neighbor who commits to removing graffiti within 24 hours. The kit consists of graffiti remover, a wire brush, rag and instructions. To receive a kit, write to admin@wman.net.
Why is it important to remove graffiti right away?
- Most spray paint “cures” after 24 hours (depending on weather). Once paint cures, it is much more difficult to remove, and the chances of damaging the surface underneath become much higher.
- Graffiti that is left visible encourages more graffiti. Many individuals document their “work” and post it to the Internet. Sites and neighborhoods that gain a reputation for being tolerant of graffiti can become magnets for the behavior. Remember, the whole point of graffiti is for it to be seen by others. Prevent that, and you prevent the graffiti! For samples of the publicity some individuals get, view this YouTube video or this catalog of Philadelphia graffiti. These, of course, are just samples of what exists.
Before you remove graffiti, if possible take a photograph of it and email it to the Community Relations Officer for the 14th District Police, at user525041@aol.com. The police can track specific graffiti “artists” and you can help them by doing this.
Write to West Mt. Airy Neighbors at admin (at) wman (dot) net or call (215) 438-6022 to receive your free graffiti removal kit.
Below is the link to a map which shows where we have graffiti removal coverage. If you live on a block where no one has volunteered to remove graffiti, please consider signing up.