A costly and unsightly problem doesn't seem to be going away in Russellville. Graffiti was splashed across three more businesses over the weekend. Officials say that it started back in October, and since then, the problem has gradually escalated.
"Here in the last couple of months, it has really picked up", Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said. "We've had several places throughout town that have been marked by several different names -- whether they are gang members or gang member wannabes, we don't know at this time."
Tuesday, ten reports were filed from incidents that occurred over the weekend. The estimated damage done to these three buildings is in the thousands of dollars. Chief Hargett said that businesses shouldn't have to pay this price.
"It shouldn't be business owners' responsibility to repaint over this property. [The graffiti] is an eye sore for the community and the business owners here and it's also going to be an eyesore for any new business that might want to locate here", Hargett said.
According to Russellville police, vandals struck the Franklin County Water Authority Office, Skateland, and Dollar General. Black, blue, and silver streaks of paint covered the exterior of the three buildings.
Officials say they want to crack down on these vandals. Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing is working to draft a law that will mean heavier punishment for the offenders.
"Here in the last couple of months, it has really picked up", Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said. "We've had several places throughout town that have been marked by several different names -- whether they are gang members or gang member wannabes, we don't know at this time."
Tuesday, ten reports were filed from incidents that occurred over the weekend. The estimated damage done to these three buildings is in the thousands of dollars. Chief Hargett said that businesses shouldn't have to pay this price.
"It shouldn't be business owners' responsibility to repaint over this property. [The graffiti] is an eye sore for the community and the business owners here and it's also going to be an eyesore for any new business that might want to locate here", Hargett said.
According to Russellville police, vandals struck the Franklin County Water Authority Office, Skateland, and Dollar General. Black, blue, and silver streaks of paint covered the exterior of the three buildings.
Officials say they want to crack down on these vandals. Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing is working to draft a law that will mean heavier punishment for the offenders.
