PORT ANGELES — A new outbreak of graffiti appeared on downtown walls between Tuesday and Thursday, and police are looking for help in tracking down those responsible.
The initials “DBL” in black or red spray paint or large black Sharpie pen appeared in eight locations during that time period, and a “scribble” of similar style also appeared in a ninth place, said Port Angeles Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith.
Footage from security cameras in the area is being reviewed; there are many such cameras, and the review will take time, Smith said.
Anyone who has seen or sees an act of vandalism taking place is asked to phone 9-1-1, he said.
Smith also asked that anyone who saw vandalism taking place or who has other knowledge, such as overhearing bragging, call police at 360-452-4545.
Property owners who find graffiti on their property can report it on the police website, www.tinyurl.com/PDN-Report, so police can track the activity, Smith said.
Graffiti showed up this week at such places as the front wall, sign and mailbox of the Port Angeles Visitor Center 121 E. Railroad Ave.; on a sign at The Landing mall at 115. E. Railroad Ave.; on benches, planters and brick walls on East Railroad Avenue; on a handrail and wall at Coog’s Budget CDs and Tapes at 111 W. Front St.; and on the wall of the Port Angeles Symphony offices, 216 N. Laurel St.
The graffiti varies in size and style, from a 3-foot-high set of bubble-style initials inside a garage area to a cross-shaped symbol with letters, small enough to be covered with an open hand, on a handrail.
Some of it appeared on surfaces that are very difficult to remove or paint over, and so is considered malicious, Smith said.
The total cost of cleaning, repairs and repainting is in excess of $1,000, not including time and labor, he said.
Smith said the graffiti seems to be similar to some that appeared earlier this year and may be the work of the same person.
It was not known if this is simply personal, narcissistic behavior or if it may have some other meaning, including possible gang-related activity, he said.
Members of Revitalize Port Angeles, a Facebook group dedicated to improving the city, have taken on the self-imposed responsibility of removing graffiti.
Among the leaders of that group is Richard Schneider, 60, a retired park ranger who patrols the city with paint and cleaning supplies.
Some of the damage has been cleaned up by property owners, but Schneider and his compatriots have been instrumental in seeing to the rapid removal of the rest, Smith said.
“What would it look like right now if Richard wasn’t cleaning it up?” he asked.
Smith said he did not know if the sudden spate of graffiti was simply a matter of someone with the time and inclination, or if that person was trying to respond to the removal of his or her earlier graffiti.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
