Anti-graffiti plan kicks off in Prov.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Mayor Angel Taveras put his anti-graffiti plan into action.

The Mayor met with Providence’s graffiti removal crew Tuesday to discuss his new approach to his anti-graffiti campaign. Taveras showed that the issue is not one that he will deal with lightly. "Graffiti is a serious offense that harms our community," he said.

His new approach to combat the growing problem is to work to make the public aware of the issue as well as discuss the problems associated with graffiti. He says it is especially important in the summer months to, "keep our city clean," despite the $50,000 already spent on cleaning up graffiti in the capital city.

He will also be implementing a new task force that will work at removing graffiti that he says, "affects the quality of life" in Providence. Also, different organizations throughout the city will also be joining the effort by painting murals over the most popular tagging spots.

Research has shown that murals deter graffiti taggers. Lisa Aurecchia, of the Providence Watershed Council, reminds residents that, "Graffiti, when done with skill, can be beautiful." They plan to replace tags across the city with images of inspiration.

The city’s graffiti removal crew will also be offering $500 rewards for tips that lead to the arrest of taggers.

If you see graffiti appear in your neighborhood, call the city's reporting number, 1-800-TAGGERS. You can also click here to report it online at the Office of Neighborhood Services.