City of Coachella
Police Department
PRESS RELEASE

Date/Time Written:                March 18, 2010 @ 3:00 PM
Type of Incident:                Graffiti Incident and Abatement
Date/Time of Incident: March 18, 2010 @ 9:00 AM
Location of Incident: Avenue 54 west of Fillmore, Coachella, California
Reporting Officer:                 Lieutenant Frank Taylor
File Number:                 Y100770015

Details:

On March 18, 2010 at about 9:00 AM, officers from the Coachella Police Department investigated a significant graffiti incident on Avenue 54 west of Fillmore in Coachella. At some time during the last few days, unknown suspects placed graffiti on a large wall causing a significant amount of damage. The incident is currently being investigated by the Coachella Community Action Team (CAT). The crime is consistent with a group of taggers that have vandalized several cities in the valley. A subject affiliated with the group, George Reyes 18 years out of Mecca, was arrested yesterday by deputies from the Southern Coachella Valley Community Services District for felony vandalism and that investigation is continuing. It is unknown at this time whether Reyes is involved in this case.

Over the past year, the city of Coachella and their police department have partnered to reduce incidents of graffiti in the city. Using GRIP (Graffiti Reduction and Interception Program), a database supplied by Gripsystems out of Australia, we are able to analyze and document incidents of graffiti to help identify the suspects. Almost all local law enforcement agencies through out the Coachella Valley have joined the effort to eradicate graffiti in our communities and are part of the GRIP network. The web based database allows 9 nine different local law enforcement agencies to track graffiti incidents and share information. As most graffiti suspect’s cross-boundary offend, moving from city to city to commit their crimes, the need for cooperation between agencies is paramount.

As these crimes cause blight within the city, the Coachella Police Department and city staff continue their proactive prevention approach by making sure graffiti is eradicated post haste. City staff responds to incidents and removes the graffiti as soon as practical. Even though these removal services have been reduced recently, the incidents of graffiti have continued to rise. We will continue to take a zero tolerance approach towards these crimes and work with allied agencies to arrest those responsible. We have attached photos to this release showing photos of the graffiti and the removal process. The finished product shows the area returned to its original state.

If you see anyone suspicious or out of place, you can call 911 immediately, or contact our dispatch at (760) 836-3215. If anyone has information regarding this incident, they can contact Officer George Acevado at (760) 863-8990, or call Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP.