Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – For the second week in a row, the Presque Isle Police Department has been out and about, investigating numerous reports of vandalism by spray paint on everything from vehicles to traffic signs. The message may be one of peace, ‘Stop War,’ but it’s causing major trouble for taxpayers.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
VANDALS have defaced a number of area traffic signs, as well as business and private property in recent weeks. The PIPD is hoping the public can help stop those responsible for the damage.
The bulk of the vandalism was reported on April 2 by Gerry James, director of the Public Works Department.
“About 44 stop signs and a couple other signs, including a speed sign, have been spray painted. The stop signs have ‘war’ scrawled beneath the word ‘stop.’ And at least one speed sign was altered from 35 mph to read ‘85’ mph,” said James.
Using a term painted on stop signs all across the city, from Maple St. to Carmichael St., police have declared their own ‘war’ on the vandalism that has caused considerable damage to property throughout the community.
“We want to stop whoever’s responsible. When we stop vehicles, we’re watching for cans of spray paint. We’re working with area stores that sell spray paint, asking them to report any unusual purchases or activities. We’re beefing up patrols and asking officers to watch for individuals out at odd hours,” said Chief Naldo Gagnon, of the PIPD.
For the second time, the Industrial Council sign was vandalized.
On April 4, a local business reported someone spray painted one of their delivery vehicles. That same day, an official with Marden’s notified the PIPD that graffiti had appeared on an outside wall.
On April 6, three residents reported their vehicles had been spray painted. Police responded to investigate.
As the cost for cleanup mounts, Sgt. Joey Seeley is hoping the public can help stop the person or persons responsible. He estimated the damage to the Industrial Council sign at around $500.
“This is becoming a costly venture, not just for individuals and business owners, but for all taxpayers, now that a number of street signs have been damaged,” said Seeley.
James said the markings on the signs can’t just be wiped off, since the signs are specially made with a reflective coating that’s easily damaged and not easily cleaned.
“They’re very difficult to clean because stop signs have to remain reflective. To clean them, strips that coating. With the labor needed to take down damaged signs and install new ones, you’re looking at $100 per sign — $40-50 just for the sign, plus labor,” said James.
That brings the cost of the damage to the street signs alone to thousands of dollars, straining Public Works’ budget.
“Our budget is already stretched to the max. Those signs will run around $4,400 to replace them all. Our whole sign budget for the year is only $3,000,” said James.
James said it’s not just the cost that’s a problem.
“It’s dangerous when someone defaces a traffic sign. Someone could get hurt if they can’t properly see a stop sign or go too fast because a sign’s been altered. If they’re not familiar with a street and what’s posted, it could cause an accident,” said James.
Seeley said the PIPD is asking for the public’s helping in stopping the party or parties responsible.
“We’re (police) seeking help from the public in finding the person or persons responsible for the damage. Damage so far is estimated in the thousands. The 44 street signs alone will run the city – and ultimately taxpayers – around $4,400 to replace. That comes out of the Public Works’ budget, which ultimately comes out of taxpayers’ pockets,” said Seeley.
Officer Rob Thibeault has been assigned to investigate the spray painting incidents.
Anyone with information about any or all of these incidents is asked to contact the PIPD at 764-4476.
