FAQs • Babylon, NY • CivicEngage

Is Graffiti a crime?: Yes. Any person who violates the Town's graffiti code shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

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DPW - Graffiti

1. What is Graffiti?: The Town defines graffiti as an inscription, figure, mark or design which is written, scratched, painted or drawn on a wall, building, monument, statue, rock or any other surface of real or personal property.

2. Is Graffiti a crime?: Yes. Any person who violates the Town's graffiti code shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

3. Why is the Town concerned about graffiti?: Graffiti contributes to a decrease in property values and the deterioration of the quality of life in a community. Well-kept public and private properties promote livability, community appearance, and public safety.

4. Will the Town assist in the removal of graffiti?: The Town will assist with the removal of graffiti when it is on Town property but not when it is on private property.

5. How quickly does the Town remove graffiti?: The Town aims to remove all graffiti within 48 business hours of receipt of notification.

6. How do I report graffiti?: Graffiti is a crime. If you see a graffiti crime in progress, please dial 911. For existing graffiti on Town property, call Citizen Services at (631) 957-TOWN (8696).

7. How does the Town respond to graffiti concerns?: All requests for the removal of graffiti on Town property are responded to by making an inspection of the site and, if suspicious or suggestive of gang activity, referred to the Suffolk County Police Department. The Police Department requests to be alerted to any possible gang activity, often reflected by graffiti tags. The Town will then remove the graffiti within 48 business hours.

If the graffiti is on personal or private property, the service request gets forwarded to Code Enforcement for an inspection and determination of a violation. If in violation, the property owner is given a warning and 20 days to remove the graffiti. If no action is taken by the property owner, a summons is issued and the Town will prosecute this violation to the fullest extent of the law.