Property owners find graffiti, city says they have to clean it at their own expense

Did you know if you’re a victim of graffiti, you have to clean it up? One Lincoln homeowner knows this all too well.

Davin Williams was shocked to see that another random act of vandalism happened in his neighborhood this week.

“Had I came out a little sooner, it might have came right off. Like I said, I forgot about it because when I’m out here doing yard work or cleaning the gutters, I’m typically not on this side of the garage,” East Lincoln homeowner, Davin Williams said.

Williams says he was heading out for groceries when he noticed the graffiti on the back side of his garage. “…and took upon a closer look, that’s when, ‘wow, once again’ you know,” Williams said.

Upon notice, Lincoln police brought the gang unit to investigate and take pictures.

He says the graffiti here is not the first time it’s happened.

“…and the way I found out about it that time, my neighbor’s fence had been painted on as well, and the other neighbor across the alley, their garage had also been graffiti-ed,” Williams said.

So what if this happens to you?

You need to know, if you don’t clean the graffiti within 15 days of notice, the city has the ability to charge you or the owner of the property for them having to clean it up.

There are situations where you can get up to a 25 day extension.

 In his case, it appears to be random acts of vandalism.

“Hopefully this is the last time that it’ll happen,” Williams said. “It is an eye sore, I do agree with that. It’s unfortunate for the homeowner, the responsibility of it, and then the fact that you could possibly be penalized for it, that’s frustrating. If it’s a gang initiation or just some random act of violence, vandalism as a challenge, that’s just unfortunate.”