Graffiti Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARRESTS MADE IN GRAFFITI CASES

Date:  May 4, 2012                                                                                                      

Released by:

·         Laura Wohl, Public Information Officer

·         Phone:  360.753.8214

·         E-mail:  lwohl@ci.olympia.wa.us     

The City of Olympia Fights Graffiti

In the weeks leading up to May 1, 2012, buildings in downtown Olympia and the Westside were victims of a rash of graffiti.   City Hall, on 4^th Avenue, was among the buildings targeted.   Much of the graffiti was related to events associated with May Day and was accompanied by anarchist symbols.  The Olympia Police Department responded with targeted patrols that netted four suspects.  Local residents provided information that led to an additional four taggers being taken into custody.  Arrests were made in both downtown Olympia and on the Westside.  Business owners, neighborhood groups, and City of Olympia staff moved quickly to cover graffiti as it occurred.  Graffiti removal is an important tool for discouraging future tagging.   Taggers do not get satisfaction when their work is painted over or removed.

Olympia Police Chief Ronnie Roberts stated, “The recent arrests are a great example of both law enforcement and the community coming together to address crime.  Vandalism like graffiti encourages further degradation of a community.  We must all work together to proactively report and respond to criminal activity.”

For additional information about how to partner with the City in its fight against graffiti, please visit the City’s Graffiti webpage.

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