In order to keep Fort Collins graffiti-free, community members must be the eyes and ears for reporting defaced property. Graffiti is a crime, and when left unchecked, can contribute to the deterioration of our neighborhoods and the beauty of Fort Collins.

Fort Collins is fortunate to have a 24-hour, 7 day a week "Graffiti Hotline" where citizens can call to report graffiti on their and other's properties. By calling 416-2400, you can be assured that a report will be made to the police, the owner of the property will be contacted, and the graffiti cleaned up as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to see that all graffiti is cleaned up within 24 hours.

If you find graffiti on your property it is extremely important to remove it as soon as possible. If it is left up for even a few days, others will add to it. Even if you cannot paint over the graffiti properly right away, you should at least use a primer coat or another color to cover it up.

To report graffiti in progress, call 9-1-1. For all other reports of graffiti, call the 24-hour Graffiti Hotline at 416-2400 or contact the City of Fort Collins to report it.

Many people associate graffiti with the danger of violent street gangs. Although Fort Collins has a presence of gangs, much of the graffiti found in our city is not gang related, but is the work of "taggers."

Taggers are people who consider themselves artists. They enjoy the challenge of placing their "tag" (usually a one-word nickname) on buildings, street signs, culverts or wherever they can.

Tagger graffiti is often multi-colored, balloon style lettering or drawings. Gang graffiti, on the other hand, is usually less artistic. It nearly always includes gang names or symbols and is used to mark "turf" or make a statement to opposing gangs.

Cleaning Methods
The best method for removing graffiti depends on the surface (i.e. wood, brick, metal, etc.) and the materials used to make the mark. Property owners may wish to consider hiring a professional contractor to repair the damage. This is a certain way of ensuring the property is returned to its original condition.

Some graffiti can be cleaned with simple soap and water. If the original surface is painted, the easiest solution may be to paint over the graffiti using the original paint color. One source of detailed information on a variety of tools and methods for cleaning graffiti is the website www.dougweb.com/clean.html. You may also call the City of Fort Collins' graffiti hotline at 416-2400 for help. If calling after hours, please leave your name, mailing address and phone.

Penalties
All types of graffiti are against the law. Graffiti cases are prosecuted under Criminal Mischief (CRS 18-4-501) or Defacing Property (CRS 18-4-509). When a person is convicted of one of these crimes, restitution for the amount of the damage is generally sought.

Remember, if you witness graffiti being painted (in progress) call 9-1-1. For all other reports, call the Graffiti Hotline at 416-2400.