Marion County Revitalizes Gang Graffiti Abatement Program

Officials say that it is essential that law enforcement and citizens work together to combat the growing problem of graffiti

(Salem) - Good News was announced Tuesday in the fight against gang graffiti in Marion County.

Through a partnership with Marion County Businesses and agencies, the Marion County Sheriff`s Office has revamped its gang graffiti abatement program to more effectively address the ongoing gang graffiti problem in Marion County.

A graffiti reporting hotline has been established for citizens to call to report graffiti in their community. The number of the hotline is (503) 566-6955.

Marion County Sheriff`s spokesman Kevin Rau says removing graffiti from property quickly is very important. By removing graffiti quickly each time it occurs, those doing the vandalism are less likely to vandalize the same property once they realize the graffiti is being covered up. Graffiti vandals typically spray paint on property in a conspicuous location where others are likely to see it. Their purpose is to show their street name, their gang set and/or to intimidate law abiding citizens in a neighborhood Rau said

Marion Count Ordnance #1192 requires timely removal of graffiti from private property (see full text of ordnance accompanying this release). Graffiti abatement coordinators will be working closely with Marion County Code Enforcement Officials to ensure compliance with this county ordnance.

Miller Paint has donated $200 in supplies to energize the abatement effort.

Rau says inmate crews from the Marion County Work Release Center will remove or paint over graffiti on public property.

Private property owners can obtain recycled gray paint at the Salem-Keizer Recycling/Transfer Station located at 3250 Deer Park Dr SE in Salem free of charge to paint over graffiti on their property. Water based paint can be taken to the Salem-Keizer Recycling/Transfer Station for recycling. Some garbage haulers have curbside recycling programs which allow you to place unwanted water based paint out with your curbside recycling.

Contact your garbage hauler for information about what services they do offer for recycling paint.