The city’s graffiti hotline has been reactivated, according to Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, so that anybody may report vandalism or tagging of any building in the city. Residents are urged to notify any information they have of graffiti vandalism by calling (914) 377-8077. Residents are asked to phone the Yonkers Police non-emergency number at (914) 377-7900 if they notice any graffiti vandalism in process.
Any individual providing information that results in the identification, capture, and trial of the individual(s) guilty of vandalizing houses or buildings, whether privately owned or owned by the public, will receive a reward of up to $500 per conviction.
“Yonkers is a flourishing city on the ascent, and we want to maintain its attractiveness for all its grandeur,” said Mayor Spano. “We’ll start by putting a stop to what reflects ill on our City – graffiti […] We won’t stand for it, and we’ll make sure anyone caught breaking the law faces the harshest penalties possible.”
After receiving a graffiti notice from the Department of Housing and Buildings and the Police Department, the landlord or agent of a building or structure that has been vandalized by writing, painting, sketching, flagging, inscription, or other forms of graffiti must make the building or structure graffiti-free. The homeowner or agent will then have 48 hours to remedy the situation. If an owner doesn’t follow the rules, they may be fined up to $250 for each infraction.
Graffiti is a Class II crime, thus anybody found guilty will face charges. Graffiti offenses include either criminal or civil sanctions, which can include fines of up to $5,000 and possibly up to 15 days in jail. A provision of Section 72 of the Yonkers City Code deals with graffiti.
