Graff - Suspicious

I remember the last time i went to NY city there was signs for 100 dollar rewards for tips and 1,000 dollars for turning in people related/who were doing graffiti to graffiti. I don't know if it's sad or awesome it's that big of a problem.
Also, there was a informative stick doodle on one of those metal boxes on the side walk (for electricity i think) where i used to live that said "Brush dem teeth!" with a little dude holding a tooth brush. It's gone now though. :/