Gang unit, road workers team up to tackle graffiti
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BENTON COUNTY, Wash. -- KEPR is checking-in on a program that targets gang members by going after graffiti.
"They're writing something that's dangerous."
If Jojo Harper is a little on edge, a little annoyed, consider her story. As much as Harper tries to keep her yard nice, gang members are tarnishing her neighborhood by painting up anything in sight.
"We've lived in (Kennewick) for 27 years," she tells KEPR. "There are places I won't go that used to be lovely places."
To keep graffiti from becoming an even bigger problem in Harper's neighborhood, the Benton County Gang Unit is partnering with folks on the front lines. Since April, the gang unit has been in direct contact with local road crews to track graffiti. Often times road workers are the first people who spot tagging, so if they're able to report vandalism as soon as they see it, the gang unit is able to stay one step ahead of gang members.
Covering up graffiti is not only helping police go after known gang members, but also helping them crack down on crime across the Tri-Cities.
"We end up with other types of crimes such as drugs, auto theft, and stolen pieces," says Sheriff Steve Keane.
So far this year, graffiti cases in Benton County are down 50% compared to last year. The new partnership aims to make even more headway, while keeping gang graffiti out of Harper's neighborhood.
"I hope my grandkids don't run into it and see something not pleasant. It's nothing I would want my grandkids to see."
"They're writing something that's dangerous."
If Jojo Harper is a little on edge, a little annoyed, consider her story. As much as Harper tries to keep her yard nice, gang members are tarnishing her neighborhood by painting up anything in sight.
"We've lived in (Kennewick) for 27 years," she tells KEPR. "There are places I won't go that used to be lovely places."
To keep graffiti from becoming an even bigger problem in Harper's neighborhood, the Benton County Gang Unit is partnering with folks on the front lines. Since April, the gang unit has been in direct contact with local road crews to track graffiti. Often times road workers are the first people who spot tagging, so if they're able to report vandalism as soon as they see it, the gang unit is able to stay one step ahead of gang members.
Covering up graffiti is not only helping police go after known gang members, but also helping them crack down on crime across the Tri-Cities.
"We end up with other types of crimes such as drugs, auto theft, and stolen pieces," says Sheriff Steve Keane.
So far this year, graffiti cases in Benton County are down 50% compared to last year. The new partnership aims to make even more headway, while keeping gang graffiti out of Harper's neighborhood.
"I hope my grandkids don't run into it and see something not pleasant. It's nothing I would want my grandkids to see."
