CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Youths charged in connection to South Ridge graffiti

May 9, 2022 | 4:24 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – City police have charged two youths in connection to a string of graffiti incidents in South Ridge earlier this year.

Public walking trails, city infrastructure and private residences were targeted with graffiti, which included racial slurs, according to police.

Both youths have been charged with five counts of mischief under $5,000, and police thank the community for its assistance in reporting and identifying the individuals involved.

Police say graffiti has a significant negative impact on the community – it increases the community’s perception of crime, reduces community pride, and displaces funds which could be spent elsewhere.

In a news release, Medicine Hat Police Service asks that when you come across graffiti, remember the “3 Rs”:

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Record

If you have been victimized by graffiti vandalism you need to record it for evidence and insurance purposes. Take photos of the vandalized area and record when it occurred. This information will be required when you report it.

Report

Graffiti In Progress – If you observe graffiti in progress, immediately report by calling 911.

Property Owners – If a property owner discovers graffiti on their property, the damage should be reported to the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or by submitting an online report via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

City of Medicine Hat Property – If the damage has occurred to City property, citizens are encouraged to report the damage via the City of Medicine Hat website’s Report a Problem section.

Remove

A well-established measure to prevent graffiti is to remove it as soon as it appears which can decrease the likelihood of additional graffiti from being applied to the same area.

For more information view City of Medicine Hat Bylaw 3679