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Graffiti is becoming a major problem in the Millcreek area. Several business owners were shocked when they arrived at work this morning and found their buildings had been tagged.
In fact, the graffiti was found along 3900 South between 1500 East and 700 East. The taggers got businesses, restaurants, high-voltage poles and fences. People in the area are definitely upset.
Ken Riter, with Cox and Riter CPAs, says, "It's just irritating to drive up in the morning and so forth, and you get the feel that, you know, are we safe?"
The side of a parking structure at St. Mark's Hospital was also targeted. Kate Moss, with St. Mark's Hospital, says, "No business wants this on their building, and as I said we're going to get it cleaned up as quickly as possible."
Authorities say it's been an ongoing problem, but the people we spoke with say they first noticed it yesterday or this morning.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office says these markings bring down the community. It has assigned a detective to this area to figure out who is behind these crimes. The sheriff's office says it is trying new undercover techniques to prevent this from happening again.
Lt. Paul Jaroscak, with Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, reminds parents to be on the look out for suspicious behavior from their children. He says when you see stories like this, and you can tie that to something your child's doing, as difficult as it may be to turn in your own child, it's a benefit to the community.
Much of the tagging has similar writings, including the letters S, A, P and number 0 and 45. Investigators say those signs might lead them to the suspect who most likely lives in this area.
E-mail: ngonzales @ksl.com
