Seattle files suits against 3 ‘prolific’ graffiti vandals

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison has filed civil lawsuits against three alleged graffiti vandals under the city’s new graffiti ordinance.

The lawsuits target taggers identified by Seattle Police as “ALURE,” “LABRAT,” and “NOMAS.” They’re accused of committing 25 violations across public and private properties. The city is seeking approximately $40,000 in civil penalties and restitution, with final costs expected to change based on abatement expenses.

“These civil lawsuits will help hold prolific graffiti taggers accountable for the damage they do in Seattle, while we continue to prosecute taggers through the City’s criminal code,” Davison said in a statement. “My message is simple: if you vandalize the Emerald City, you will pay.”

Seattle graffiti ordinance goes into effect

The graffiti ordinance, passed by a 7-1 vote in the Seattle City Council in July and effective since August, allows for civil penalties of up to $1,500 per violation.

Davison emphasized that these initial cases are part of a broader strategy to curb vandalism.

“These three lawsuits filed today are just the beginning. We fully intend to aggressively enforce this new law against taggers and expect to file more cases in the near future,” she said.

Graffiti remains a costly issue in Seattle. In 2024, the city recorded 28,816 instances of graffiti vandalism. Cleanup costs are significant, with small businesses and property owners spending tens of millions annually, and the city itself allocating roughly $6 million each year for abatement.

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