Great Bend Police officers have talked to some juveniles who admitted involvement in recent graffiti incidents, Detective David Bailey said.
But even as the investigation continues, new acts of vandalism are reported daily. Tuesday morning, graffiti was discovered on a building at 700 Main Street. And just after 8 p.m. Tuesday, a Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw two males getting ready to “tag” the old Ice House building on Eighth Street.

They ran and the officer lost sight of them somewhere between Washington and Odell on Seventh St.

A week earlier, on May 7, graffiti was reported on the side of buildings in the same area, and Louis Wintholz’s 1994 Buick LeSabre was stolen from 106 Third St. It was recovered by the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, covered with graffiti. All of the windows and the taillights were broken.

“It’s demolished,” the 83-year-old man said.

Wintholz said he’s been warning his neighbors to lock their doors. In the past year, he’s also had BB guns and cash stolen from his home. He’s lived there for almost 30 years and doesn’t understand why this is happening now.

Bailey said officers are actively pursuing leads.
“We’re asking for citizens’ assistance,” he said.
Anyone who knows who is behind the crimes is welcome to call Crime Stoppers and leave an anonymous tip. Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest or the recovery of property. The number to call is 792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

However, “If you see something going on, call 911,” Bailey said. “We’d just like to get it stopped.”