Graffiti costs UNM $100K to clean up

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The University of New Mexico puts $100,000 a year toward getting rid of graffiti—something most students don't even realize.

“It's pretty shocking, and it's sad the university has to spend that much money on graffiti cleanup when it could be used doing something else probably more productive,” says Danielle Preut, a UNM senior.

“I think it's a good idea if they notice,” added freshman Diana Vargas.  "I don't notice graffiti, but I personally don't like it. I guess they're doing a good job because I don't see it.”

That is because the university's grounds department is up as early as 4:30 each morning to clean the graffiti.

The sculpture known as the “Center of the Universe" has become just that for the graffiti clean up crew because it's tagged almost every day. Gary Smith with the Physical Plant Department on campus says it costs UNM $20,000 just to clean that area.

He says that is state money that could otherwise be used on beautification projects.

Most of the graffiti Smith sees is political, not gang-related.

The grounds department aims to clean up graffiti and vandalism within 24 hours.