Keep an eye out for graffiti

Lt. Stephen L. Mauer, Community Safety & Resource Team (CSRT)

The City of Lakewood has noticed the apparent increase in the incidents of graffiti that are appearing at numerous locations.  In response to this we have started a process to identify the resources that any city departments may have that can be used to locate and then cover up any graffiti seen on public property.  Those city resources include the Community Safety Resource Team (CSRT), Public Works, Parks and the Municipal Court Work Crew.  The plan is to have any department employee who sees graffiti to note the location and, if it is on public property to have it covered over within 48 hours, preferably sooner, and if it is on private property to notify CSRT who will then contact the property owner and request that they cover up the graffiti within 48 hours.

The city has numerous supplies of paint and equipment that can also be used to cover up or clean graffiti.  Those supplies will be identified for city employees and available for them to use when needed.  The city staff will also be trained in the use of any equipment that is not easily and safely utilized without such training.  The goal is to create an environment that discourages graffiti because it is not allowed to sit for long periods of time without being covered up.  We are also considering other ideas about how to deal with the issue in order to prevent if from happening at all. If any citizens have ideas or questions or even information on who may be doing the graffiti in Lakewood, please feel free to call Lt. Mauer / CSRT at (253) 983 7853.