Graffiti contributes to reduced sales, a decline in property values, and citizen fear. A business littered with graffiti is less likely to be patronized. Citizens feel less safe and secure entering a locations where graffiti is present.

The following are steps to take in the prevention of graffiti:

1. Ongoing upkeep. Rapid removal. Promptly paint over and clean up any new graffiti.  Do not allow graffiti to proliferate.
   
   
2. Ensure that you keep up with the overall cleanliness of your property.  Vandals are less likely to target properties that are well maintained and clean.
   
   
3. Incorporate shrubs, thorny plants, and vines to restrict vandal access.
   
   
4. Add or improve lighting around the building to promote natural surveillance. Vandals do not like well lit buildings or areas.
   
   
5. Use fences, controlled entrances and exits, and other barriers that discourage through traffic.
   
   
6. Limit access to roofs by moving dumpsters away from walls and covering drainpipes to prevent vandals from scaling them.
   
   
7. Organize a “Business Watch” with nearby merchants to keep tabs on a business area. Businesses may want to employ security personnel to monitor property.
   
   
8. Employ graffiti-resistant materials or coatings on a wall that’s constantly hit with graffiti.
   
   
9. Refrain from using graffiti images in ads or promoting graffiti in any way.
   

Los Angeles offers free graffiti clean-up service. The contact number for the City of Los Angeles graffiti clean-up service is 311 or (866) 452-2489.