By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – If you’re noticing more graffiti in Philadelphia, you’re not alone.

Within the last year, Philadelphia’s Anti-Graffiti Network removed or covered up the vandalism from 126,000 public and private properties. That’s up from 115,000 the year before.

Thomas Conway is the deputy managing director who oversees the program. He says help is available to those who have had their properties defaced.

“It’s a free service if we do have access to the property. All they have to do is contact 3-1-1, speak to a live operator and put their complaint in.”

He says if a property owner fails to work with the city to get the vandalism cleaned up, the owner could face fines and possibly end up in court.

Conway says if a pattern like certain markings or names are recognized in the graffiti, the information is given to the Philadelphia Police Department’s Neighborhood Services Unit.