Graffiti incidents on the rise in Greater Sudbury

There's an increase in the number of reports about problem graffiti in Sudbury.

Areas targeted include parks, local businesses and private properties.

Greater Sudbury Police say the number of incidents of graffiti reported in the city is sitting at 59, up from 40 at this time last year.

Graffiti is a common problem for Brandon Gambini, who's the neighbourhood president of the Delki Dozzi Park.

Over the winter, he spent about 40 volunteer hours helping maintain the playground.

However, he says it's not long before graffiti again covers the park's tennis courts, skate park and brick walls.

"We put in our time and effort. Some of us put a lot of money into these playgrounds so that the kids and families in the neighbourhood have a safe place to go," he said.

"And then some kids, they just ruin it all."

Common complaint

Last week, Sudbury police charged a man for tagging public and private properties with graffiti.

Many of those vandalized areas were in neighbourhoods overseen by Ward 1 councillor Mark Signoretti.

The issue of graffiti is a common complaint Signoretti hears from his constituents.

He says he hopes the problem will stop now that someone has been apprehended.

"Sometimes, it's hard to catch the person in the act. But in this instance, I'm hoping that this individual was the one that was targeting some of the areas that I was concerned with."

Sudbury police say they will continue investigating graffiti incidents and ask citizens to report any suspicious activity.

In the meantime, Gambini says he wants those responsible to think about how their actions affect others.

"They're hurting everybody around them when they do it. Especially when the graffiti is vulgar and has swear words," he said.

"You got to set an example now for the future."