Artwork Intended To Prevent Graffiti Gets Sprayed By Vandals
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (CBS4) - Authorities in Castle Rock are hoping to catch the people responsible for covering publicly displayed student artwork with spray paint.
Late last month police say vandals targeted multiple locations in the city, including the town's Art Around the Rock murals, which are displayed along bike and walking trails in the town. Some of the displays are featured under bridges and in other public spaces, where they were set up to discourage graffiti.
It's not clear how many people are responsible, but Castle Rock police gave CBS4 surveillance video that shows three of the vandals spray painting graffiti, and they are hoping someone will recognize them and report them.
The vandals are believed to be teenagers or in their 20s. One was described by police as having different colored shoe laces -- one green and the other orange.
On Sunday CBS4 spoke to residents who were disturbed by the vandalism.
"It makes me feel sad. It's disrespecting the public property," said Caden Crowder.
"For some kids to come around and tag this place, it's just, it's not Castle Rock. It's not Castle Rock," said Caden's mother, Denice Evans.
The Art Around the Rock campaign is described as part law enforcement and part creativity. The theory is that a community project can prevent crime by creating something positive.
"When somebody just sits there and sprays paints all over it and writes vulgar words, it's not right," said Evans.
Evans says she has a message for those responsible: "Shame on you. Have pride where you live."
"I do not like all this graffiti, I mean, who would do this?" said Caden.
Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call Castle Rock police at 720-733-3517.
