Whittier PD Cracks Down On Local Taggers

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Date: February 11, 2009
Contact: Asst. Press Information Officer Mike Dekowski

Whittier, CA – On February 2, 2009, members of the Whittier PD Special Enforcement Team made a significant arrest involving a local tagger. The “SET” Team (Special Enforcement Team) has continued its efforts in bringing these vandals to justice, contributing to a cleaner and safer Whittier. Notably, a 13-year-old Whittier resident responsible for over sixty-six acts of vandalism. The damage caused by this individual cost the city more than $23,000 dollars to repair.

The juvenile defaced multiple locations in the east end of Whittier. Most of the vandalism was to city property, including signs, curbs, walls and sidewalks. The vandal denied being part of a tagging crew, but did admit to most of the damage he caused. According to the SET team supervisor, Sgt. Kent Miller, the boy knew Whittier PD Officers were looking for him two weeks prior to his apprehension. He told investigators he quit tagging as soon as he found out the police were on to him.

Again, on Tuesday, February 3rd, Whittier PD Special Enforcement Team officers followed leads, which led to the apprehension of yet another tagger, a 15 year old girl residing in the unincorporated area of Whittier. Investigators substantiated this young girl is responsible for over one-hundred and twenty-six “tags”, most of which most she admitted to. Damages from these vandalisms are estimated at over $28,000 dollars. In addition to damages within the city of Whittier, it is also known this vandal “tagged” throughout the cities of Pico Rivera and La Habra. Whittier PD Investigators are working closely with responsible agencies to discover how much damage was done by this particular tagger.

The Whittier PD Special Enforcement Team along with the Patrol Division, have been actively pursuing taggers throughout the city, using new technologies and creative enforcement. The City’s Graffiti Abatement Crew has been instrumental in keeping Whittier free of unpleasant vandalism, making it a more attractive place to live, shop and play.

At this time it is not known if the District Attorney’s Office will file charges on all counts of vandalism. According to Sgt. Miller, both the juveniles and their parents will held accountable for the damages and the cost of clean up. With the continued support of the public and local business, the amount of vandalism has drastically reduced. The Whittier PD would like to encourage citizens to report all acts of vandalism by calling (562)-945-8250.

Additional media inquiries may be directed to Officer Mike Dekowski at 562-945-8286.