Graffiti Stains The View In Oskaloosa

Graffiti like this has been showing up in Oskaloosa recently.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Graffiti has been showing up in Oskaloosa in, what some call, an ever increasing frequency.

From smiley faces painted on the back of buildings to, what appear to be, initials being painted on various objects.

I asked Oskaloosa Police Chief John “Jake” McGee if graffiti is becoming a growing concern in Oskaloosa. He said, “No. We’ve noticed a couple places in town, mainly on Pella Ave. And then, on the South 7th Grocery there was some graffiti-like initials.”

I asked the Chief if this might be a recent issue. He said that he didn’t think so. “We have not received any calls regarding graffiti in months.” McGee went on to explain.

According to McGee, it’s not believed to be gang related, drug related, or tagging. If you are the victim of graffiti McGee recommends, “If you notice something like that [graffiti] clean it up immediately.” McGee said. This is how to avoid having your property vandalized repeatedly because cleaning it up makes it frustrating for those that deface property.

The tunnels on the bike trail have also suffered from being defaced by graffiti, but they were cleaned up quickly. Other properties that have suffered damage as well include the back of the Penn Centre Theater, Taso’s, and many others.

If you see something, give the Oskaloosa Police a call.