Cactus Village Community

New Graffiti Fight . . . from Neighborhood News, Nov. 2001

Jul 28, 2003

A new type of graffiti, etched glass graffiti, has begun appearing around Phoenix. Vandals create the graffiti by using glass-etching solutions available at arts and hobby stores. Once a piece of glass has been etched, the graffiti can be very difficult and costly to remove.

To address the problem the Phoenix City council has passed an amendment to the graffiti section of the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance. The amendment expands the definition of graffiti to cover etched glass and makes it illegal for minors to possess or purchase the various kinds of etching solutions just as they are required to restrict access to other items that can be used in graffiti vandalism. Parents should be aware that etching solutions contain acid and can cause burns, damage to vision, and respiratory problems to youths who may be involved in creating this type of graffiti.

Glass-etching solutions are now part of the Neighborhood Services Department?’s regular graffiti non-access inspection program. For more information about the ordinance, the department?’s education efforts or the inspection program call the Neighborhood Preservation Division at (602) 262-7844. . . ☻