The Great Bend Police Department Detective’s Unit has been devoting a considerable amount of time to finding out who has been spray painting graffiti around town, City Administrator Howard Partington told the City Council Monday night. That is starting to show results. “They do have suspects,” he said. “Some charges will likely be forthcoming.” The Patrol Division has also been focusing its efforts toward catching these perpetrators, he said. Officers are planning some saturation patrol efforts (similar to the Warrant Task Force which has netted numerous drug busts) to address these issues.
Cleaning upIn the meantime, for the victims of the graffiti, vandalism remover is available at the Public Works, City Sanitarian Gregg Vannoster said. This gel-like spray removes the unwanted paint, but depending on the surface, remove the underlying paint as well.The Sanitation Division office is located at 525 Morton St. in Great Bend and it can be reached at 620-793-4150. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. According to city ordinances, graffiti is not allowed on any building in the city limits. The person owning the property and/or occupying it shall be notified and given five days to remedy the violation.Should the violation not be corrected a notice shall be sent by certified mail giving the owner/resident 10 days to correct violation before it will come before the City Council for possible abatement.