Graffiti is a destructive offense that communicates a message of disorder and lawlessness in a neighborhood. It seems that the number one complaint I hear from residents is the increase in graffiti throughout Queens County.

I have been working with our local precincts and community groups, sponsoring "Graffiti Clean Up Days" throughout our neighborhoods, but it seems we are fighting a losing battle.

There are three essential elements of a successful anti-graffiti initiative: enforcement, cleanup, and education. The first element for success, enforcement, is pivotal. While the NYPD is reporting a 162% increase in graffiti related arrests, if the crime is not taken seriously when the offenders are brought before the court then these efforts are useless.

I believe it is imperative that the criminal penalties addressing this destructive behavior match the seriousness of the offense. The actual damage to the property and the cost of removing graffiti should be reflected in the penalty level for the crime.

I am sponsoring legislation (S.7072) that would upgrade the penalty for repeat graffiti offenders to a class E felony, punishable by one to four years in prison. The bill would also upgrade the penalties for possessing graffiti tools to reflect the seriousness of the offense. The bill has been passed by the State Senate and is before the Assembly. I believe a grassroots effort will help get this measure signed into law so we can start to win the war against graffiti and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. You can help by signing my petition below.

Join Senator Maltese’s stand against graffiti and fight to enact tougher penalties against graffiti vandals by filling out and submitting the form below.