Graffitti News and Tips
The Shoreline Police Department has teamed up with Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound to identify those responsible for graffiti vandalism. There is a reward of $1000 in cash to anyone who proivdes information leading to the arrest and charge of person(s) responsible for graffiti vandalism. Watch for Crime Stopper flyers in the community.
If you have any information call 1-800-222-TIPS or text TIP486 to 274637 (crimes) to send your anonymous text message information. All calls are confidential.
GRAFFITI PREVENTION AND REMOVAL
Take action – together
We need your help: please contact the City of Shoreline Customer Response Team at (206) 546-1700 as soon as you see vandalism or graffiti on City property.
All public parks in Shoreline close at dusk, unless there is a scheduled athletic activity. Any activity you witness or hear in a park after dark should be reported to the Police by calling 911.
Removing graffiti promptly from private property is the best way to discourage graffiti vandals from returning. City code requires prompt removal of graffiti on private property and immediate attention helps deter further graffiti.
What is graffiti?
Graffiti is writing, drawing or symbols applied to any surface without the permission of the property owner. Graffiti is a form of vandalism. It is illegal to deface private or public property.
There is more than one type of graffiti. Tagging graffiti is used for gaining notoriety, respect among peers, and to appear “cool.” Gang graffiti is used to designate territory or gang affiliation.
Shoreline Police are taking photos of graffiti and looking for patterns; there does not appear to be a gang connection to the recent proliferation of graffiti.
Protecting property
If you have a fence or retaining wall near the street, planting shrubs or adding relief or a pattern can eliminate the perception of a “blank canvas.” Applying a clear coat finish to protect the surface or using film coverings on windows can protect property.
Removing graffiti on private property
Prompt graffiti removal is the key to prevention. Paint out graffiti on painted surfaces. Use a pressure washer on natural wood or unpainted surfaces. Make sure to follow all directions carefully as pressure washers can cause damage if used improperly.
Reporting Graffiti
You can help reduce graffiti in our community by following the proven “3 R Method”: record, remove and report graffiti vandalism.
1. Report it!
Graffiti in progress Call 911 immediately; graffiti is vandalism.
Graffiti on my property Call 911 to file a police report.
Graffiti on City property Call (206) 801-2700 to report the location; the City removes graffiti within 48 hours.
2. Record it!
Record the date, time and location of the graffiti. If the graffiti is on your property, take a photograph if you need one for insurance purposes.
3. Remove it!
Prompt and persistent removal is the most effective way to prevent graffiti.
While this may be difficult, studies show that removal within 24 to 48 hours results in a nearly zero rate of recurrence.