Supervisor Don Knabe today announced the approval of a $26,000 contract to continue efforts to rid several unincorporated communities in the Fourth District of graffiti.

“Graffiti negatively impacts our neighborhoods by reducing quality of life, property values, business growth and development and it will not be tolerated,” Supervisor Knabe said.

The contract renewal, awarded to Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc., will enable graffiti removal services in West Whittier and a new area ofSouth Whittier. Supervisor Knabe said the ongoing effort is part of a comprehensive Countywide graffiti abatement program that incorporates education, eradication and enforcement.

“Our efforts focus on responding to graffiti removal requests within 48 hours and by patrolling County unincorporated areas and our flood control channels,” he said. “While the program itself is managed by our Public Works Department, we have found that this type of swift response can best be performed by independent contractors.”

“Public Works continues to work with law enforcement to provide information and pictures of graffiti to assist in the apprehension and conviction of graffiti vandals,” he added.

The County urges residents to report graffiti via the Graffiti Hotline at (800) 675-4357, or at the Public Works Department website at www.ladpw.org. Residents can also use their iPhones to report graffiti by downloading “TheWorks” app. Smartphone users can also report graffiti through the Public Works mobile website at www.m.ladpw.org.