The Hollister Police Department's Graffiti Abatement Program was re-established in the summer of 2004 when it became obvious the that graffiti had become more extensive and was providing impetus to gang communications, recruitment and territorial marking in the city of Hollister and San Benito County. The motivation behind the graffiti abatement program was the “broken window theory”. This theory states that if one window is broken and not repaired then people assume no one cares about the building and more windows will be broken – ultimately leaving the building with no windows. The program focused on both apprehension/ prosecution and eradication.

The graffiti abatement website is meant to send a message to those responsible for the graffiti that they are subject to arrest and prosecution and that even if they were not arrested, graffiti will not last and will be covered up.

Graffiti contributes to reduced business sales, a decline in property values, and citizen fear. Businesses can help prevent graffiti by utilizing the attached Tips for Businesses to prevent Graffiti.

The Police Department organized graffiti abatement days and called upon community members to donate time or materials to eradicate graffiti in residential and commercial areas. The first graffiti day held in November 2004 was so successful and the volunteer's enthusiasm so strong that Graffiti abatement days have continued each year since with volunteers from many facets of the community participating. In addition, Volunteers in Policing (VIP's) are continuously eradicating graffiti on public and private properties. In addition to the removal of the graffiti and sending a message to the gangs, hands on positive experience is provided to youth organizations and teens on probation by having them participate in the removal of graffiti along with their counselors and mentors counteracting the negative and destructive effects of gang activities on the community.

The Hollister Police Department thanks all the volunteers that have made this program possible. Since the start of graffiti abatement days, over 600 volunteers from law enforcement, VIP's, youth organizations, probation, local industry, high schools, youth centers, and the community have participated. Over 10000 linear feet of graffiti has been removed from over 90 residential, commercial, and government properties and dozens of signs and electrical boxes.

Thanks also to the local businesses and city and county groups that have supported the program through the donation of materials and supplies. These include Kmart, Target, ACE Hardware, True Value Hardware, Hollister Rotary, Hollister Paint, Salazar Paint and Hollister Community Services and Hollister Waste Disposal.

We will continue with Graffiti Abatement Days in 2010 with a goal of semi-annual events as a minimum. We are also soliciting the community's help in accomplishing this.

You can help in any of the following ways;