Denver Gets Tough On Taggers

Denver graffiti-removal crews could seek access to private property after three days and charge the owners for cleanup under recommendations developed in hopes of eliminating graffiti in three years.

The three-day window would be used to target abandoned property or owners who routinely fail to remove graffiti and is not intended to "double victimize" those who are vandalized, City Councilwoman Judy Montero said.

"This is for the most part the chronic offenders," Montero said at a Monday briefing for the City Council. "This is not directed at responsible owners."

The city removes reported graffiti for free, but this change would allow officials to ask for a court order to clean areas that a community deems an eyesore.

Denver Post