Click to watch video

Houston leaders want the citizens to help put a stop to costly illegal graffiti.

KHOU-TV

The city has also started a paint bank for property owners.

City Council will take up the issue Monday.

The problem is getting worse, but the mayor and City Council want to stop the tagging of freeways and buildings, especially by gang members.

The members of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee are working to strengthen the city's anti-graffiti ordinance.

One of the things they want property owners to do is take care of the problem quicker if they are a victim of tagging. Instead of 30 days to get rid of the graffiti, they would only have 10 days - or they would face a stiff fine.

The new plan offers a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of a violator.

The city has created a paint bank, where different colors are stored to help property owners take care of the graffiti sooner.

If you can't afford to clean up the mess, you can contract Neighborhood Protection for assistance.

To report graffiti in your neighborhood, call 311.