Broken Windows + Graffiti!

The "Broken Window Theory" states that disorder and crime are linked. If a window is left broken, soon the all the other windows will be broken. A window left unrepaired creates the impression that no one cares, so it is okay to break another. One act of vandalism can lead to more crime. Vandalism leads to an environment where the people in the vandalized neighborhood feel unsafe. They may think that more serious crimes are occurring when they are not. Vandalism is connected with urban decay, if unruly people (rowdy teenagers and drunks) and vandalism in the neighborhood are left unchecked. The general idea is that if bad behavior goes unchecked, it will lead to more serious crimes. In cities like Edmonton, all graffiti is considered an act of vandalism. The general public may not see the reality of graffiti, and many misconceptions occur. Graffiti can be vandalism and it can be frightening for those who are faced with it, but not all graffiti should be considered vandalism. Graffiti can be more than simple vandalism, as we have seen with graffiti artists like Banksy. Could the City of Edmonton better educate themselves and the public about the realities of graffiti?