Provo police arrest 7 teens in graffiti cases

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PROVO, Utah (AP) -- Police have arrested seven juveniles they say are responsible for 77 separate graffiti cases.

Provo police Sgt. DeVon Jensen says the youth range in age from 12 to 17. One teen was arrested nearly a month ago. Police say that investigation led tem to the six others. No names were released.

Investigators used a database of photographs of every reported incidence of graffiti to tie the suspects to each case. Some cases date back to 2007.

Provo uses cameras around the city to monitor areas that are frequent targets for graffiti artists, also known as taggers.

In April the city began a summer program that offers a free iPod to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrested and conviction for graffiti.

By June 30, 2008, Provo police had 302 reported cases of graffiti.

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Information from: The Daily Herald