A 26 year-old male suspect was arrested for tagging an Edison power pole in Seal Beach – and their police department was left wondering why someone at that age would behave like that?

The Seal Beach Police Dept. is considering asking the OCDA to make a beach clean up a condition of this suspect’s probation.

A study about graffiti that was spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that:

• Investment to prevent and tackle graffiti and vandalism has to be long-term, sustained, and targeted. 
• Cutbacks in law enforcement funding were followed by a significant upsurge in the problems of graffiti and vandalism.
• Rapid removal of graffiti is still considered to be the most effective means of preventing its growth both on the transport system and in the wider arena.
• The greater use of Internet sites for the display of photographed pieces and tags means that the perpetrators may be less concerned when the original is rapidly removed.
• Early intervention diverts young people from further involvement in graffiti and vandalism, and educates youth that the acts of graffiti or vandalism are unacceptable.
• There is a need to channel young people’s talents positively by providing activities and sites where they can create murals or pieces safely and legally.
• Legislation that restricts the open sale of spray can paints is identified as a priority and seen as the only effective solution.
• Extending police power to stop and search for spray can paints was also identified as a possible deterrent strategy in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.