Graffiti/Tagging

Tagging/Graffiti has become a chronic problem in the Greater Vernon area. It is important that merchants and community members remove the vandalism as soon as possible.  Not removing the tag/graffiti invites more vandalism and makes the general public feel unsafe.  Removing the tag/graffiti promotes community pride, makes removal much easier, lets vandals know that they are unwelcome and restores a sense of safety to the general public.

The Anti Tag Team Project

The Anti Tag Team is responsible for locating, documenting and removing unwanted graffiti/tags in the Greater Vernon area. They are further responsible for making contact with those affected and coordinating the removal of the vandalism. They will be active participants in developing and launching a community based anti graffiti/tagging initiative.

Tagging and unsolicited Graffiti is a criminal code offense and costs
taxpayers thousands of dollars annually in clean-up costs and repairs, but the hidden costs are
immeasurable.

Locating and Documenting Graffiti

By patrolling the greater Vernon area, concentrating first on the most visible and offensive, The Anti-Tag Team will locate and photograph unwanted graffiti/tags. They will document the location, making note of the building and associated business.

Obtaining Contact Information

Once a property is identified the Anti-Tag team must make written and verbal contact with the building owner and affected tenant.

Information

A package is delivered to the building owner and affected tenant informing them that that their property has been vandalized. The package consists of a letter with a photograph of the tag/graffiti and the offer of removal by the Anti Tag Team, a removal permission form, and a copy of Vernon Graffiti Bylaw # 5010.

Graffiti Removal

With the property owner's written consent in the form of the Graffiti/Tag Removal Permission Form

Graffiti/ tagging will be removed as specified by the property owner and if removal is possible.

Follow up

Follow up will consist of monitoring the area for re-tagging for the duration of the summer program.

Other Projects:

The Anti-Tag Team will be active participants in the Graffiti Task Force helping to establish community partnerships, research the Adopt a Box Program and work on a media strategy promoting community pride facilitated by a sustainable anti-graffiti/tagging project.