Graffiti is everywhere–on public and private property. In Los Angeles alone, the city estimates crews clean up over 30 million square feet of graffiti per year. When vandals spray paint a retail or office building, business can suffer as customers or clients are intimidated by the markings. Here are steps to discourage graffiti vandals from damaging your property.

Secure Locations Prone to Graffiti. Graffiti typically occurs at locations with little security oversight. If your place of business has been repeatedly hit, add a security guard to patrol the vulnerable areas. Statistics show that weekends are when graffiti vandals are most active.

Add Shrubs and Lighting. Consider adding high-growing shrubs or thorny plants along the targeted wall. Install lighting and security cameras to the area. Post signs stating that surveillance is underway.

Take Pictures, Contact Police. If graffiti occurs, before removing, take photos of the damage and contact police.

Remove Immediately. Taggers want their work to be seen. Removing graffiti right away decreases the chances that they’ll try to retag the location. Consider adding a graffiti-resistant coating on the wall. Some cities will remove graffiti from private property for free or at a minimal charge, so check to see if the service is available.