APRIL 11, 2010 - An outbreak of new graffiti seems to be underway throughout the east side of Greater Montrose. New tags have been appearing throughout the area during the past 2-3 weeks, and the frequency and number are both on the increase.

This morning, while returning home from breakfast along Fairview, we observed a Hispanic man around his early 20's walking north on Taft near the Women's shelter. He was carrying a can of black spray paint and was dressed in a new-appearing brown "hoodie", and baggie denim shorts. Driving only a block or two further south on Taft, we noticed a large number of freshly painted black "tags" on everything from curbs, to stop signs, to neighborhood signs, to U-Verse boxes - you get the picture!

We did call HPD's non emergency number and provided all the details we could. Only 10 minutes later the HPD patrol officer called back asking for additional information. He stated he, too, had noticed the fresh graffiti and was actively looking for the described suspect.

Sadly, this young hoodlum had already made his escape back to his gang to prove he'd passed the initiation, and was not caught. BUT - it is very reassuring that HPD responded within 10 minutes to what is traditionally a "low-priority-level" incident, despite their widely publicized manpower shortage.

We must ALL continue to REPORT ALL INCIDENTS OF "TAGGING" or GRAFFITI AS SOON AS THEY ARE NOTICED. Report them to 311; report them to the Montrose Management District for abation; report them directly to HPD if they contain threats or if you observe them being committed.

REPORT GRAFFITI! - ABATE GRAFFITI! - KEEP MONTROSE CLEAN!