Free graffiti solvent available at fire stations

How does the city decide what graffiti to
remove/paint over first?

City crews respond to graffiti complaints in the order in which they are received. Due to a fairly lengthy cold spell, there is currently a backlog of orders. As long as warmer temperatures continue, crews will be out working.

How warm does it have
over graffiti?

There is not an exact temperature that prohibits or allows for graffiti removal or paint over. Products used to accomplish this vary and there are other factors that have an impact as well. It is generally safe to say that graffiti removal and paint over is effective when it is above freezing.

How do I report graffiti?

Complete an online graffiti report. Or, you can also call 311 and a call center agent will file a report for you.

Why report graffiti?

Graffiti has a negative effect on communities. Along with lowering neighborhood appeal, decreasing property values and driving away prospective home-buyers, it also attracts criminal activity. Worst of all, gang members use graffiti to promote themselves. Covering up this graffiti takes away this gang tool and improves the overall look of neighborhoods.

What if I see someone in the process of making graffiti?

Whenever you spot a crime in progress, call 911.
What do I do if I have information on a graffiti vandal?
The Minneapolis Police Department wants to know any information you have on suspected graffiti vandals. Call 612-673-5722 to talk directly to an investigator at the MPD Graffiti Investigations Division.

What happens after I make a graffiti report?

The graffiti is photographed by Clean City crews. A complete report is sent to the Minneapolis Police Department for investigation. A letter is then sent to the property owner to inform them of the graffiti and give them two options:
Remove or paint over the graffiti themselves within 10 days.

Wait 10 days, allowing the City to remove the graffiti, and pay the removal costs.
Clean City crews will check the property after 10 days to ensure that the graffiti is cleaned. If graffiti is still present after 10 days, the City of Minneapolis will remove the graffiti and bill the property owner.

A free quart of graffiti removal solvent is available at all Minneapolis fire stations. It is recommended for removing graffiti from unpainted surfaces.

The solvent works best on smooth surfaces, such as vinyl or aluminum siding.
When using on porous surfaces, such as brick or stucco, apply the solvent and let it soak, then remove with a power washer, sand blaster or soda water blaster.

Do not use on a painted surface! The solvent will remove the original paint.
Crime stats for Riverside area

For the period Feb. 2 through March 6, the breakdown is as follows:
Howe-rape, 1; robbery, 1; aggravated assault, 1; burglary, 2; auto theft, 4; arson, 1.
Longfellow-rape, 2; robbery, 2; aggravated assault, 11; burglary, 5; auto theft, 3.
Cooper-rape, 1; burglary, 3; auto theft, 3.
Hiawatha-rape, 1; robbery, 1; burglary, 3; auto theft, 4.J

Seward-stats were not available at press time.