6/05/08

Graffiti reports down city-wide

City officials are cautiously optimistic about apparent progress in their fight against graffiti.

At a recent City Council meeting, Police Chief Rick Smith said that reports of graffiti incidents are down from 3 each day to an average of 1.3 per day, and Parks department director Jim Ballew confirmed that graffiti vandalism has decreased by 50 percent.

City officials had expected reports to increase with the ability for online reporting, and have been pleasantly surprised by the apparent downturn. The new online form, found on the home page of the city’s web site, allows residents to give a detailed report on graffiti and even include photos of the damage.

The Graffiti Task Force has held several presentations at Marysville middle schools, detailing the consequences of graffiti and explaining how costs associated with its clean-up may be diverted from programs that could benefit the city’s youth. It appears the message is being heard.

To report graffiti, visit www.ci.marysville.wa.us and look for the link under City News to the online form.

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