Lake Zurich cops seek help in graffiti incidents

The Lake Zurich Police Department is investigating a graffiti outbreak that occurred over the past 10 days.

Spray-painting has been reported mainly on the walls of businesses and signs in the industrial park off Route 22 near Oakwood and Ensell roads. Damage was found at Staples Park behind Sarah Adams Elementary School.

About a dozen cases have been reported, Cmdr. Kevin Finlon said. The damage and clean up is estimated to cost several thousand dollars, he said.

Police are asking residents and business owners to be aware of suspicious behavior.

"We ask that you contact police if you see kids congregating in areas where they shouldn't be, especially in the evening hours," Finlon said.

Police are working to determine if the graffiti is gang related. "Some of the signs are associated with gangs, but that doesn't mean it's gang related," he said, adding some of the damage was "juvenile in design."

The police department's crime prevention bureau is working with the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce to make the business community aware of the incidents. A business alert was e-mailed to all chamber members Thursday.

Police reminded business owners of a local ordinance requiring graffiti be removed within 14 days. "It has to be removed promptly. It's a deterrent for future incidents," Finlon said.

Chamber Director Dale Perrin added police are asking business managers and owners who sell spray paint to also be aware. "It would be a tip off if a teenager is buying a whole case of spray paint," he said.

Detectives are working to determine if there is a connection with a rash of graffiti cases in Libertyville that led to the arrest of a 19-year-old Round Lake Beach man earlier this week.

Residents with information are asked to call the Lake Zurich Police Department at (847) 719-1695.