Batavia police increase patrols as graffiti continues to pop up in city's downtown

A graffiti tagger is continuing to mark Batavia's downtown area, leading to another week of frustration for officials working to remove it and trying to catch whoever is behind it.

Police reports state several areas on the 100 block of Shumway Avenue were defaced Oct. 5: along the Batavia Bike Path including on light posts, the Linnea Miller Birdhouse, city utility boxes, a fence and doors; and a city utility box at 4 W. Wilson St.

The same day, Harbour International, 30 Shumway Ave., reported the rear basement door of the business was defaced, and Sturdy Shelter Brewing, 10 Shumway Ave., reported the utility box was defaced, reports stated.

Previously, five businesses on South Batavia Avenue reported graffiti defacement overnight from Sept. 12 to 13.

"At this point - because of commonalities in the graffiti, the combination of letters and numbers - we believe it the same individual or group," Deputy Chief Eric Blowers said.

Detective Sgt. Gary La Barbera, who is in charge of the investigation, said the person is using a marker or paint marker to write P1-76 with an arrow pointing downward.

"It's not gang-related," La Barbera said. " ... It's a public nuisance that mars our beautiful downtown and we do not like it at all."

The department has stepped up patrols and police presence downtown in response to the uptick in graffiti.

Anyone with information is urged to call La Barbera at (630) 454-2500.