By Nate Smith, Staff Writer
Mayor Larry Haag and city police asked for help Monday in dealing with a rising epidemic — graffiti.
During Monday’s city council meeting, Haag said a recent rash of graffiti has hit the city, causing damage to both private and public property.
“It’s runaway. It’s rampant,” Haag said. “We’re going to aggressively address this issue.”
City Police Chief Steve Riney said in the past week to 10 days, there has been more graffiti sprayed on buildings in the city and they are asking for citizens to be on the lookout.
“It’s concentrated to a couple certain areas in town,” Riney said. “I would like the public to report any acts of vandalism and be an extra set of eyes for the police department.”
Riney said those who are caught defacing property will be arrested and charged with the appropriate crime.
“When we do arrest them, I am also going to encourage (County Prosecutor Byron Overton) to seek the maximum penalty under that specific statute,” Riney said. “We need help from the public to report it.
“We will get to the bottom of it.”
Riney said the department has a chemical that can eliminate the graffiti but it has to be dealt with quickly before the paint sets up.
Haag urged the public to help.
“As soon as you see it, call us,” Haag said. “If it’s in the middle of the night or anytime, call us.”
Those who see graffiti or have information on suspected defilers are to call the department at 254-4410.
