Westown Block Watch

Graffiti

Aug 06, 2007

All home or property owners who have been the victim of graffiti should make police reports by calling Crime Stop 602-262-6151 or if the graffiti is in progress by calling 911 each and every time you are a victim of graffiti. By doing this police detectives will know when a particular neighborhood is heavily hit. It is our desire to use these reports to take a more pro-active approach to the graffiti problem.

The program provides an easy opportunity for citizens, especially young people, to give police information about graffiti vandals and their activities, with a guarantee of anonymity and cash rewards as an incentive. The concept is to combine the forces of the public, media, and the police in identifying vandals and using peer pressure through the schools to curb the epidemic of graffiti. Call between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday to speak to an officer. At any other time you will hear a recorded message.

The Silent Witness program works in much the same way. Callers into the program are given a secret code number, which guarantees their anonymity and allows them to collect a reward after an arrest or other successful resolution is made for the incident.

Once information is received, an officer will be assigned to verify its accuracy and identify the individual(s) involved. Although some criminal prosecution may be necessary, the program will focus on parental responsibilities in accordance with Arizona Revised Statute 12-661 and victims will be encouraged to file civil suits to claim damages.

Graffiti Hotline Board of Directors
A group of citizens comprise the Graffiti Hotline Board of Directors. The board determines reward amounts, with a maximum amount set at $250.
How to Collect the Reward
The caller contacts the hotline approximately 30 days after the initial call. If a reward has been approved for payment, the caller is informed of a location where their money may be picked up.
The Graffiti Hotline Concept
The concept was patterned after similar programs in California and was implemented into place with invaluable assistance from local business people, Councilman Craig Tribken, Councilwomen Peggy Bilsten and Thelda Williams, Phoenix Community Alliance and the Northwest Block Watch Coalition. This is a one of a kind program for a city the size of Phoenix.
Graffiti Hotline Phone - (602) 262-7327
In all emergency situations, remember to call 9-1-1.