A couple hundred new instances of graffiti are popping up around Okotoks every week.
The Town calls the dramatic increase in vandalism "unfortunate" and is looking for citizens' help in reporting inappropriate activity in parks.
Parks is currently finding and cleaning over 100 tags a couple of times a week, according to a press release. Nowhere seems to be off limits, with graffiti found on garbage receptacles, bridges, picnic shelters, benches and public restrooms.
Several areas in town have been targeted, but Cimarron Park and the neighbouring storm pond seem to be the favourite.
The Town said cleaning up the graffiti takes parks staff several hours to clean and requires harsh chemicals. Incidents often require repainting of the area.
Graffiti is a violation of the Community Standards Bylaw 19.10 which could see adult offenders fined up to $2,500 and youth offenders up to $1,000. The particulars of each case are considered as is the number of incidents attributed to the offender.
Committing multiple tags can result in multiple offences. Offenders do not have to be caught in the act to be charged.
Okotokians are encouraged to contact municipal enforcement at 403-938-8913 to report graffiti on both public and private property when spotted. If suspicious activity or graffiti vandalism is in progress, please call 911 and do not engage with the offenders.
If private property is vandalized with graffiti, initiating the cleaning process sooner rather than later is best to prevent reoccurence or additional tags.
All incidents should be recorded through photos for evidence and insurance purposes and noting the estimated date and time of the occurrence.
For more information on how to combat graffiti, visit the Town's website.
