Did You Know that Graffiti is a Criminal Offense?

Did you know that willful damage or destruction of property can be punishable with up to a 10-year prison sentence? Anyone caught vandalizing public or private property will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

WHY GRAFFITI COSTS US ALL:

• Gives the impression that no one cares
• Leads to increased graffiti and crime
• Hurts business growth and tourism
• Wastes tax dollars on cleanup
• Reduces property value
• Decreases residents feeling's of safety
• Clean up costs hurts small businesses on tight budgets

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN TAGGED:

• File a report with law enforcement immediately.
• For incidents in progress call 911.
• For incidents in Asheville City, call the Asheville Police Department at 252-1110.
• For incidents in the county, call the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office at 250-6670.
• Promptly remove the tag after reporting it.

Call Crimestoppers at 255-5050, or email tips@abcrimestoppers.org if you have information regarding graffiti incidents. The crimestopper line is staffed 24/7 and tips are entered into the tip database immediately. You could be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.