[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Middle
6-5-2000 as Ord. No. 1054-2000. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used herein, the following words and phrases shall have the following
meanings:
- GRAFFITI
- An inscription, drawing, message or slogan made on some public or private surface without the consent of the owner of the property.
- INDELIBLE MARKER
- Any felt-tip marker, china marker or similar device containing nonwater-soluble colors and which has a flat or angled writing surface of 1/2 inch or greater.
A.
Absent express permission to the contrary by the owner
or other person having control thereof, it shall be unlawful for any person
to possess a spray paint container; liquid paint in cans or other containers
or indelible marker in any public building or upon any public facility or
upon any private property with intent to use the same to deface said building,
facility or property. Any person who possesses a spray paint container, liquid
paint in cans or other containers or any indelible marker in any public building
or upon any public facility or private property with no legitimate or lawful
purpose therefor shall be prima facie presumed to have possession of the same
with the intention of using such container, can, marker or paint to deface
said building, facility or property.
B.
It shall be unlawful and a violation of this chapter
for any person to write, print, paint, spray, etch, carve, scratch or otherwise
mark and place graffiti on the real or personal property of another, whether
publicly or privately owned, unless the owner of said property shall have
given prior consent.
It shall be unlawful for any parent, legal guardian or other person
having custody and care of any minor child under the age of 18 years to assist,
abet, allow, permit or encourage said minor to violate the provisions of this
chapter by lack of proper supervision and control over said minor child.
Any person who violates this chapter shall be subject to the following
fines:
Any person who reports a violation of this chapter and his/her testimony
is instrumental in obtaining a conviction hereunder shall receive a reward
equal to 50% of any fine collected. In the event that the person shall be
a juvenile, then the reward shall be in the form of a United States savings
bond.