BURNABY (NEWS1130) – You’ll find graffiti all over Metro Vancouver, but it’s a growing problem in the city of Burnaby.
    
That’s why the city and the RCMP are teaming up on a new program to help stop kids from picking up a spray can. It’s called Beyond the Wall.
    
Cst. Shelby Murphy says a lot of kids are getting caught tagging and damaging property. This program will help steer them in the right direction.    

“We felt it was necessary to educate the youth and the parents on the graffiti sub culture as far as where it can lead them in their lives other criminal elements that are involved,” says Murphy.

She notes the vandalism is expensive to remove, often costing the city and business owners thousands of dollars.

But it’s not just about the money, it’s an eyesore and it can change the mood of the area.

“It brings down the value of the neighbourhood and it creates fear because a lot of people don’t understand that it’s hip hop graffiti… they think they’re being targeted, and they think it’s gangs are coming into their neighbourhoods or that somebody is out there to get them,” explains Murphy.    

Reports of graffiti vandalism can be made to the Graffiti Hotline at 604 298 TAGS (8247) or visit the website at www.burnaby.ca/graffiti.