Almost every city in the country has a graffiti problem. The typical "graffer" is a white male, often from an affluent neighborhood, who gets kicks from dodging the police or creating art. Graffers often stay in touch through the internet, posting pictures of their work.

Although some see their graffiti as art, the cover up or scrub off costs are estimated at $15 billion a year. In addition, there are social costs caused by graffiti scaring away shoppers and residents, leading to lower property values, and more serious crime. Some cities have banned the sale of spray paint to minors. Likely targets can be protected with a wax-like coating that makes it difficult for paint to adhere, or with razorwire to deter graffers. In Milwaukee, building owners have to clean graffiti off within ten days or the city does it and charges the owner.

As a result, Massachusetts, for example, has enacted penalties such as loss of a driver's license for one year, a $1500 fine, restitution, and up to three years in prison. For those jailed, this has been an effective deterrent to further graffiti crime in most cases.

(Updated August 1, 1999)