Graffiti Removal

We need your help! Please call Rusty Lonis of the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department at 540.271.2389 to report the location of graffiti.

What is graffiti?

There are two different forms of graffiti. The first kind is more commonly called "tagger graffiti". This type of graffiti vary rarely has anything to do with gangs. It is painted by individual people as a method of artistic expression. The second type of graffiti, "gang graffiti", is used by gangs as a way of spreading information. It can be used to identify which gangs rule an area or to tell other gangs to stay away. It can also be used as a method of threatening other gangs or specific people. If a gang member is injured or killed, graffiti can be put up as a memorial for that person. Gang graffiti is a way for gangs to express themselves.

Why should graffiti be removed?

Graffiti can be negative in several ways. First of all, most gang graffiti promotes violence and endangers citizens. Graffiti also decreases home and business value, and if no one takes the initiative to remove it, placing graffiti will become accepted practice and the amount of graffiti will increase rapidly.

Where is graffiti generally found?

Graffiti is found mainly in business areas and on large buildings, though graffiti can be found almost anywhere.

How can you help?

Report it! Police learn a lot from graffiti. If you report it, they can examine it, document it, take proper pictures, and clean it for you for free.