Assemblyman Mike Miller, Senator Joseph Addabbo, and Council Member Elizabeth Crowley are offering $500 to any residents who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person responsible for graffiti vandalism.
The initiative comes after three individuals, Matthew Young, 23, Thomas Rank, 19, and Matthew Perez, 16, were arrested for graffiti vandalism last week in the 104th Precinct.
“Our residents are furious and they have every right to be,” Assemblyman Miller said. “I called the Senator and the Council Member and worked with them to help find a solution. When residents call our offices to report fresh graffiti we help them document it and then help clean it up. It’s time we took a stronger stand. We need to get ahead of this problem. By offering a cash reward to anyone who can stop these vandals we will help police catch them, prosecutors convict them, and most importantly keep our neighborhoods clean.”
“I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with my colleagues in government to address the issue of graffiti,” Senator Addabbo said. “Graffiti is a concern shared by many of the people we serve throughout our districts. I am hopeful our collective effort successfully reduces instances of graffiti in our communities.”
“Graffiti is an unlawful and unsightly act of vandalism that has gone on in this City for far too long," said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley. "To create a graffiti-free environment, the whole neighborhood needs to be involved and this reward will encourage those who see something, to say something. This new reward program will help engage the community in speaking out against graffiti vandals by holding those accountable for committing these acts of vandalism.”
Although this program is being offered through all three offices, anyone witnessing a crime in progress should immediately call 911.
