This browser does not support the Video element.
PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Since there have been walls, there's been graffiti, and since there's been graffiti, vandals have used the excuse of expressing themselves, but the problem is, without permission, it's a crime.
"It's something that we think is way more important than other people realize and so what we want to get across to you, and to everybody out there is that this is not just graffiti," Jeff Christian said.
Jeff Christian, a community leader and realtor, knows better than most just how big of an impact even a few scribbles can have.
"It's not a victimless crime, everybody around here is a victim from that graffiti," he said. "We have to see it everyday, we have to pay taxes to have it cleaned up. It's going to effect their property values, 10's or 20 thousands of dollars per person."
To do more than just cover up the damage, the Citizens Law Enforcement Anti-Graffiti Initiative wants to educate preventing the crime in the first place. For three years, the group has held a contest for youths to create a 30-second PSA with an anti-graffiti message.
Last year's winner, 17-year-old Storm, says it was eye opening.
"I wanted to inform people that there is in fact a difference between vandalism and art," Storm said.
The private art school attendee also has an answer to the age-old vandalism excuse of "self expression."
"I mean, if they feel it's necessary to express themselves then that's fine, who am I to judge?" Storm said. "But it's destroying property, that's the issue here and people need to understand they need to be grateful for what they have, where they live, etc."
Storm also says you don't have to ruin something to make a statement.
"If you want to express yourself, then do it in other ways... make videos like I did or sing, or do anything that you really want to put yourself out there," Storm said. "You don't have to destroy property."