The City of Penticton is seeking the public’s help in identifying individuals responsible for nearly $30,000 in graffiti property damage.
Between Jan 12 and Jan. 16 several “CEVER” graffiti markings were reported in downtown Penticton. Then, on the evening of Jan. 17, 2018, reports of additional graffiti markings associated to “BTK” were identified in the same and nearby locations to the previous markings.
“As a result of this act of vandalism, the graffiti appeared on over 30 different properties,” said Tina Siebert, bylaw supervisor. “The city has reported this graffiti to the RCMP for investigation and we are looking for any witnesses or video surveillance related to either of these incidents.”
Siebert said tagging and graffiti is an ongoing problem, but it has been some time since the city has seen a spree like this.
“We haven’t had this much property damage in a couple of years,” said Siebert. “This was a couple of nights out, with a lot of tagging. There is just so many locations we are dealing with right now and our contractor is working to get it removed as quickly as they can.”
It was also two years ago, in Jan. 2015, when a young man was caught and charged, using the same “CEVER” tag one of the taggers was using this time.
Siebert said all downtown businesses are now on the cleanup program, started in 2015. The City of Penticton and the Downtown Penticton Association are engaged in a partnership agreement with Pure Pressure/Remove My Graffiti. Graffiti is removed from downtown city and business properties immediately.
“We get like the odd one, but we do have that contract. We are not seeing as much because it is getting removed so quickly,” said Siebert.
Contact Crime Stoppers- 1-800-222-8477 if you have information about the identity of a known tagger or call RCMP-911 if you see a crime like vandalism/graffiti in progress. Additionally, you can call the City’s Bylaw Services at 250-490-2440 or email graffiti@penticton.ca if you want to report new incidents of graffiti or have questions about enforcement of the Good Neighbour Bylaw.
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