Elgin to beef up graffiti laws

Cases of graffiti in Elgin more than doubled from 2006 to 2008, so city leaders are considering increasing the minimum fine to $1,000, banning the sale of spray paint to minors and requiring parents to pay restitution if their kids are caught.

According to the police department, there were 446 cases of graffiti in 2006. That number jumped to 649 the next year and 974 in 2008.

Deputy Police Chief Cecil Smith said most cases did not involve gang symbols.

Smith did not have a breakdown on what percentage were gang related, but a memo to city council members said gang-related graffiti was up 377 percent from 2004.

"We believe that the ordinance will be a benefit to the city and community as a whole," Smith said. "It will also assist in holding those who commit these type of offenses accountable for the damage that they cause."

Under the changes, stores would be required to ask for photo identification to ensure those younger than 18 can't buy spray paint, large permanent markers, paint sticks, certain drill bits used for etching, and other items. Also, it would be illegal for minors to possess these items, unless enrolled in an art class, for example.

The minimum fine for those caught applying graffiti would be raised to $1,000. Before, fines ranged from $50 to $500. Parents of minors caught making graffiti would be liable for the fines and restitution.

The city also will change the law to give city employees the right to enter private property and remove graffiti if it is not removed by the owner within 10 days.

Mayor Ed Schock said city leaders a few years ago considered a ban on selling spray paint to minors, but now feel compelled to take action.

"The problem has gotten worse, so we feel we have to go forward," Schock said. "The taggers think they're artists. They like to tag a building or vehicle. If they want to make art, do it on canvas instead of someone else's property."

The city council will discuss the changes at 6 p.m. Wednesday at city hall, 150 Dexter Court. The earliest the council could enact these changes is Aug. 12.