Police vexed by continuing graffiti problem in Kalispell

The hiss of spray paint leaving behind graffiti across the city of Kalispell is driving local police up the wall.

The Kalispell Police Department issued a press release Wednesday asking local retailers that sell spray paint to help them deal with a growing wave of graffiti.

“It’s extremely frustrating,” Lt. Wade Rademacher said. “Businesses or even residents will have their buildings tagged. They’ll clean it up and paint over it, and within a short time it’s been tagged again.”

Without the help of people who sell spray paint, Rademacher explained, police are left with their only tool being in the right place at the right time and catching someone in the act.

“We’re always looking for information from citizens,” he said. “Things people can watch out for are, at night, any suspicious people walking around. But the retailers are where we’re really looking for help. If they notice patterns or anything suspicious and can get a license plate or if they have the identification of the person, call us.”

Rademacher said he believes the graffiti is the work of just a few individuals. Even so, it has shown up on buildings, power boxes, garbage cans, garage doors, tunnels and the back of traffic signs.

Although it is not always the case, he said this type of crime is usually committed by young men between the ages of 15 and 25.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Kalispell Police Department at 758-7780.