Las Vegas NowClark County Launching War on Graffiti

Clark County Launching War on Graffiti

Clark County is launching a war on graffiti with the help of local businesses. They are going after the taggers who deface property.

For nearly 10 years a jungle mural has brightened up the wall of Las Vegas Fire Station 3 and no one had ever disturbed it. But Tuesday night, taggers destroyed it. Then on Wednesday, Clark County announced a community-wide plan to crack down on the growing graffiti problem.

Flanked by Metro and local business leaders, county commissioners launched their first barrage in the latest war on graffiti. Using public service announcements such as bus stop posters and even billboards, the county is calling on the community to do its part to rid our neighborhood of this costly blight.

Clark County spends $3 million every year covering up graffiti on public facilities, and the private sector spends an estimated $30 million each year.

"It's a mess and it makes the whole neighborhood look trashy," says Beverly Roberts, manager of the Weber Bread Store on East Charleston. She's bought buckets of paint over the years to cover up the graffiti on the walls outside her store.

Metro says they've identified more than 360 tagging crews in the valley. More than 200 arrests were made last year. Police, prosecutors, politicians and business leaders say only by combining resources and efforts can the battle against graffiti be fought effectively.

"This is not a new problem," said Rory Reid, Clark County commissioner. "What's different is we've joined forces with a broader spectrum of the community to address the problem."

This is welcomed news to those who live and work in our valley where many believe no one person or entity can win this war alone.

City and county crews respond to thousands of calls to cover up graffiti every year.

However, they can't cover it all. That's why as part of this stepped up campaign, the county will provide free cover up paint to anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work themselves.

Email Alyson McCarty at amccarty@klastv.com