Graffiti is a means of non-verbal communication used by gangs to mark their territory, threaten violence, honor dead members of the gang, and advertise for recruits. It is also used to show disrespect to rival gangs. Gang members will cross out, reverse, crack, or turn symbols upside down to show disrespect to their rivals. This type of gang activity might appear insignificant, but it is usually the first sign of a gang's presence in a neighborhood, and depending on the markings, may indicate future violence or criminal activity. Residents should not confront or attempt to stop graffiti vandals if they witness the crime being committed, they should report it to the police. Gangs use graffiti to:
Mark territory
Intimidate residents
Challenge other gangs
Respond to rival gangs
Display strength/status
Gang Graffiti vs. Tagger Graffiti Not All Graffiti is Gang Related
Gang Graffiti Graffiti that promotes a gang. Used by gangs to:
Mark territory
Intimidate residents
Challenge other gangs
Provide responses to rival gangs
Attempt to display strength/status
Tagger Graffiti Graffiti that promotes an individual.
A tagger is a person who seeks notoriety by vandalizing properties without getting caught. Taggers may work in groups referred to as "crews" but they are not considered gangs.
Taggers view their graffiti as artistic and vandalize for:
