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Graffiti Cost Recovery
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 5, 2010, Moorpark Police Detectives concluded a lengthy investigation culminating in the arrest of four juvenile suspects, who were responsible for 27 separate acts of graffiti vandalism throughout various locations in the City of Moorpark, over the period of the past 1½ years. The damage caused by the suspects amounted to approximately $50,000. All four juveniles were lodged in juvenile hall and are awaiting court proceedings related to their crimes. In its mission to aggressively address the problem of graffiti in the community, as well as the rising costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of graffiti damage, the City of Moorpark began using a municipal ordinance that allows the City to recover its costs. The ordinance allows the City to charge the parents of juvenile graffiti vandalism suspects, or adult suspects, up to $10,000 per chargeable crime in order to recover costs. Bills totaling nearly $20,000 were sent to the parents of the four juvenile suspects. The bills cover the costs spent by police personnel, as well as other City personnel’s time and material to repair damage to City property. The bills do not address the damage to private property, which the suspects will be responsible for if convicted of the crimes. The City of Moorpark and its Police Department are committed to addressing the issue of graffiti vandalism in the community. Doing so is increasingly costly. It is hoped that through this cost recovery program, those persons who commit graffiti vandalism will bear the costs of cleanup and investigation. It is also hoped that the program will be an incentive for graffiti vandals to stop their criminal activity. Location: City of Moorpark, CA Officer Preparing Release: Captain Ron Nelson |
