Tracy Press

 
It's the law for stores to keep potential graffiti materials in locked cases — but at least one turned up in violation this week.

True Value Hardware has its collection of spray paints kept behind locked cabinets. Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

Tracy’s municipal code states that any store that sells aerosol products, such as spray paint, must restrict access “by placing all such items in a locked counter, cabinet or other storage facility” that only store employees can open.

At Home Depot on Monday, however, spray paint sat within sight of the paint department desk unguarded by lock or key.

According to company spokeswoman Kathryn Gallagher, a miscommunication at the store led to the removal of protective cases that had, until recently, kept the products out of easy reach.

In response to the Press’ inquiry, Gallagher said that Home Depot was sorry for the mistake and is working to replace the locked case as quickly as possible.

“We take being up to Tracy city code and standards very seriously and are committed to doing the right thing,” she said.

Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

When the Press checked last week, spray paint at Wal-Mart, OSH and True Value were locked behind sliding-glass doors. Jose Salas, manager at Wal-Mart, said Thursday that he was unaware of the law. But he said the strict measures help keep aerosols out of the wrong hands.

“We like it because it helps manage who purchases it,” he said. “(It’s) an extra level of security, basically.”

In addition to the local lock-down statute, state law mandates that buyers of spray paint must be at least 18 years old.

Gallagher added that Home Depot’s computerized cash registers — including self-check kiosks — require cashiers to check the IDs of people who buy the restricted products.

Despite these commonly employed efforts, spray-paint vandalism is almost omnipresent — visible on fences, signs, benches and dilapidated houses all around Tracy. According to police youth services Sgt. Terry Miller, laws governing the sale of spray paint are far from foolproof, and those determined to get a can of black matte will probably do so.

Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

Most of Tracy’s graffiti is gang-related, Miller said, although some “tagging crews” — outfits dedicated to spreading their marks and art — are popping up as well.

But Miller added that despite community concern about spray-paint vandalism, Tracy’s problem is not out of proportion with its size and makeup.

“I wouldn’t say it’s any worse than other cities in proportion in terms of size,” he said. “Even the small towns have graffiti. I think it’s a problem that we’re all facing.”

He said that while keeping spray paint out of the wrong hands is helpful, the key to effectively fighting graffiti is “prevention and intervention” — and catching those responsible.

“Sometimes you’re able to put the moniker back to the individual,” he said, “but again, I think our problem with graffiti and graffiti abatement and our prosecution rate is right on par with other cities in the area.”

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