Graffiti on the Rise in Silver Spring (PHOTO)

County officials said graffiti is on the rise in Silver Spring.

Photo Courtesy: Reemberto Rodriguez, director, Silver Spring Regional Area.

Electrical boxes, stop signs, commercial buildings, these are just some of the places where graffiti is visible to anyone in downtown Silver Spring.

“We really want to work with the community for folks to understand this is not a game. … I’m not sure that people doing the graffiti know the high cost of cleaning up,” said Reemberto Rodriguez, director of the Silver Spring Regional area.

Rodriguez said there is “usually” a rise in illegal graffiti during spring and summer. But added this is not an issue “exclusive” to Silver Spring, and there is no evidence of these drawings to be gang related.

The latest drawings, according to Rodriguez, were spotted on “transportation signals on Piney Branch Road.” He asked residents to call 311 or the Urban District Hotline number to report any form of graffiti.

Rodriguez added whether the drawings are spotted on directional signs, utility boxes or commercial property, residents “must call in.”

“When they [graffiti] happen in downtown Silver Spring, we are there in 24 hours,” he said.

To report graffiti outside the Silver Spring Central Business District, call 311. If it is downtown Silver Spring, call 240.876.2911.

About Aline Barros

Aline Barros is a multimedia reporter and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at Abarros@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @AlineBarros2.

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