Riverside Awards First 500 Dollars In Graffiti Tip Program
More Payments Might Be Coming Through Anonymous Tip Program

POSTED: 3:39 pm PST November 21, 2007
UPDATED: 4:25 pm PST November 21, 2007


RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Riverside made its first $500 payout to an informant whose tip led to the arrest of graffiti vandals in Riverside, a city official said Wednesday.

In August, the city launched an anonymous tip program via Riverside's 311 call center, in which residents whose reports of tagging lead to charges being filed against suspects receive rewards, according to city spokesman Austin Carter.

"Since the program began... there have been 10 calls reporting graffiti crimes and seeking the reward," Carter said. "Riverside police have arrested 41 taggers in the last three months."

He said more $500 rewards may be coming. Callers maintain their anonymity, he said, by using a reference number in communications with authorities. Rewards are made in cash, no questions asked, Carter said.

City Councilman Steve Adams, a member of the city's public safety committee, said the prospect of monetary compensation will compel more witnesses to graffiti vandalism to come forward.

"They may not have come forward before, but this reward means a lot more will," Adams said. "When you pick up a spray can, expect to do time and pay a heavy fine."

By law, the city can seek restitution of up to $25,000 per incident from parents of juveniles involved in vandalism, according to Adams.

Of the 100 cases pursued so far, he said, the city has collected a total of $50,000 from parents.

According to Carter, graffiti removal is projected to cost the city $1 million this year.

The 311 switchboard has recorded 3,200 calls from residents requesting graffiti clean-up since August, Carter said.

He said anonymous graffiti vandalism reports can be phoned into the 311 call center, or by dialing the non-emergency number to police dispatch at (951) 787-7911.