Graffiti is not Art, it is a Criminal Offence

Graffiti is not Art, it is a Criminal Offence

Stony Plain, Alta.  – On February 22, 2024 the Parkland RCMP was made aware of an increase in graffiti activity in the town of Stony Plain.  The Parkland RCMP want to advise the public that graffiti is vandalism and person(s) can be charged with Mischief, section 430 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.  Graffiti, also known as “tagging”, is described as any writings or drawings created on a surface in a public space.

Graffiti can be indicative of a larger issue, for example being utilized as communication and/or advertising for negative purposes, spreading hate speech, bullying or intimidation and/or marking gang and/or drug activity, etc.  Graffiti vandals may believe their actions cause no harm however, in reality it can have an impact on residents’ feeling unsafe, attract other forms of crime, reduce property values, hinder business growth and tourism.

The removal of graffiti is costly and it impacts tax dollars on law abiding citizens.  Help the RCMP and its partners to keep our communities beautiful and safe; if you SEE IT, REPORT IT!

If you have any information about this or any other crime, please call the Parkland RCMP at 825-220-7267.  If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.