City police respond to increased vandalism

Officials say window damage, graffiti above normal levels

MOSES LAKE — Officers with the Moses Lake Police Department typically respond to an increase in property crimes when the mercury rises each spring, but officials say that rise may be a little higher than normal this year.

With graffiti on the walls, damage to business windows, and vandalism and theft from city parks all rising in recent weeks, police officers are asking help from citizens to identify the suspects.

Moses Lake Police Capt. Jim Jenkins said officers find an increase in activity as the days get longer and the temperatures warmer, at times when people tend to stay out later. The activity tends to lead to an increase in property crimes. But with an almost daily report of business vandalism or graffiti in police reports in recent weeks, Jenkins said this spring's increase is "a little uncommon."

The spike in vandalism does happen from time to time. Moses Lake businesses saw a rash of windows shot out by BB guns last fall, and the city council offered a reward last summer following an outbreak of vandalism in city parks.

Mostly happening at night when parks and businesses are closed, Jenkins said the department has implemented measures at times and places when and where the problems are occurring this spring. But he said police do need the help of passers-by who may notice something suspicious.

"If we're going to impact this problem we really need the eyes and ears of the public," Jenkins said.

Moses Lake Police have encouraged anyone who sees people loitering in parks or the downtown district after dark to call the police, so officers can identify any potential problems.

Property crime concentration has been centered around city parks and the city's downtown business district. Parks have seen both graffiti and damage to facilities such as sprinklers, and business vandalism has been centered on damaged windows.

Some of the graffiti reported on building sides to police is gang related, but Jenkins said there are too many other malicious mischief crimes happening in the city to blame the increase on gang activity.

Vandalism problems may not be concentrated in the city limits alone. Vandals caused thousands of dollars to playground equipment at Larson Heights Elementary School on the city/county line. Jenkins said he believed the problem was not specific to the city.

Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious is asked to call and report to county dispatchers at the Multi Agency Communications Center at (509) 762-1160.

"If we're going to stop this though, we need the public's help," Jenkins said.