RCMP say graffiti vandalism is on the rise in Red Deer.
Graffiti can increase people’s perception of crime and invite additional graffiti if it is not removed.
The City of Red Deer’s Community Standards Bylaw defines graffiti as the defacement or disfigurement of any property or object using paint, ink, stain, whitewash, scratching and etching.
Those responsible for graffiti could be charged with a criminal offence and/or charged under the Community Standards Bylaw, which carries a fine of $2,500 for the first offence.
The fine increases substantially for any subsequent offences.
Anyone who sees graffiti being committed, or has information that can assist the police, is asked to contact Red Deer City RCMP at 403-343-5575. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com. If the information leads to an arrest, tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
The city also has a Graffiti Hotline — 403-356-8908 — to report incidents of graffiti.