On April 30, 2022, two youths were charged in relation to a recent string of graffiti incidents that had been reported in the South Ridge area of Medicine Hat. Areas damaged included public walking trails, city infrastructure and private residences. Some of the graffiti included racial slurs which were offensive language. Both youths have been charged with five counts of mischief under $5,000. The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank the members of the community for assistance in reporting and identifying the individuals involved.

City of Medicine Hat Bylaw 3679 defines graffiti as any words, figures, letters, or drawings scribbled, scratched, painted, sprayed, written, drawn, or otherwise applied on Premises without the consent of the owner of the premises.

Graffiti has a significant negative impact on the community – it increases the community’s perception of crime, reduces community pride, and displaces funds which could be spent elsewhere. When you come across graffiti, remember the “3 Rs”:

Record

If you have been victimized by graffiti vandalism you need to record it for evidence and insurance purposes. Take photos of the vandalized area and record when it occurred. This information will be required when you report it.

Report

Graffiti In Progress - If you observe graffiti in progress, immediately report by calling 911.

Property Owners - If a property owner discovers graffiti on their property, the damage should be reported to the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or by submitting an online report via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

City of Medicine Hat Property-If the damage has occurred to City property, citizens are encouraged to report the damage via the City of Medicine Hat website (medicinehat.ca) Report a Problem.

Remove

A well-established measure to prevent graffiti is to remove it as soon as it appears which can decrease the likelihood of additional graffiti from being applied to the same area.

For more information click link to review City of Medicine Hat Bylaw 3679

Media Contact:

Insp Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8414