Which is why we need it. It's not about the graffiti, it's about the tolerance of it. It's a clear warning to anyone coming into an area that the place is overrun with intellectually stunted individuals and the city will not do anything to change it. Politicians lie about the health of a city in fear of the bond ratings dropping further but graffiti doesn't lie.
Graffiti is one of the indicators of decay that is often present farther out from the core problem areas, especially on bridges and overpasses as one approaches the no-go zone. The more you see, the closer you're getting.
The other indicators of decay require actually entering the no-go zone.
-bars on windows
-roll-down gates for storefronts
-an absence of stores that are part of a larger chain (auto parts stores and fast food restaurants excluded)
-cars missing hubcaps
-cars with different color body panels
-weeds growing at curbs
-empty lots, especially with garbage dumped in them
-garbage on the streets
-empty store fronts
-an inordinate number of liquor stores, nail salons, and bodegas
-numerous individuals drinking from liquor or beer bottles in a bag
-a pervasive smell of marijuana, especially cheap skunk weed
-missing or damaged parking meters
-dwellings missing outer storm doors
-broken windows
-cars double parked for hours
-etc.
-etc.
-Broken down chain link fence in the front yard.
-Streetlights out.
-Broken sidewalks.
-Fix a flat stores.
-Dysfunctional fire hydrants.
-Stray dogs.
-Stripped cars.
-Storefront churches.
-Boarded up windows.
-Burnt out buildings.
-Garbage bags piled on the sidewalk.