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Police Department
Crime Prevention Tips >
Graffiti is popping up all over. Most of the graffiti is innocuous scribbling but any way you look at it, the presence of graffiti degrades our neighborhoods. Allowing graffiti to remain sends a message that this type of behavior is acceptable and encourages other offenders to degrade the community with more graffiti or other vandalism.
We encourage you to file a Police report by calling 302-8000. After a Police report has been made out, remove the graffiti as soon as possible.
How to Remove Graffiti
Your attack on graffiti removal depends on what product was used by the tagger and what surface the graffiti was placed on.
The City of West Allis has a power washer available. This machine was purchased with funds received from a grant. Supplies for this machine are available as a result of private donations. If after you have attempted to remove graffiti it will not come off, or if you are physically unable to remove the graffiti, the City of West Allis will remove the graffiti free of charge. In order for the power washer to be used, weather conditions must be dry and above 50 degrees.
Painted Surfaces
Graffiti on painted surfaces will have to be painted over whether your exterior paint is latex or oil as chemical graffiti removers also remove your base primer. In most cases a stain killer will have to be used or the graffiti will "bleed" through your repaint job. Look for KILZ, which comes in latex or oil and will prevent the bleeding through of all paints and markers. KILZ is sold by the quart, gallon and now in spray cans.
Concrete, Brick, Vinyl or Aluminum Siding
Unpainted brick, concrete and vinyl or aluminum siding are easily cleaned by an environmentally safe product called Procon and a pressure washer. Procon is sold in gel form, liquid, or spray. You can purchase Procon at most hardware stores. Another product named Goof Off may also be used on siding.
Wood
Graffiti allowed to remain on bare wood is difficult to remove and should be done as soon as possible using the products Procon or Goof Off Graffiti Remover. If chemicals fail, you may have to use a power sander. Goof Off Graffiti Remover is a great spray to have on hand as it works on most surfaces, even somewhat on painted surfaces. We have had great success with spraying a rag and wiping over the graffiti. Some base paint may come off but it is less noticeable than the graffiti.
