News Release

April 2, 2008

For more information:

Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049

Vandalism and graffiti costs top $50,000 so far

You can help curb the costs and catch the culprits

"School districts in our area are experiencing more vandalism of schools, especially graffiti, than we have seen in the last

several years," worries Gary Jefferis, the district's maintenance and operations director. "Already, we have spent more than

$50,000 to repair damage caused by vandals and to remove graffiti scrawled on school buildings, fences and vehicles."

"A number of Block Watch groups are partnering with us to keep an extra eye on schools," said Jefferis. "And our calls are

getting great response from law enforcement. We encourage anyone seeing suspicious activity at a school or near a school

vehicle to call 911 immediately."

Regionally, police are also reporting more incidents of car thefts from school parking lots. Schools have increased vigilance in

their parking lots and ask you to be watchful. You can help to keep a dangerous and unwelcome element from coming onto

school grounds with students, encouraged Jefferis.

As Jefferis points out, "The city and county law enforcement agencies are as interested as we are in curbing the regional

increase of this criminal activity. With spring time still ahead of us, our costs to repair damage and remove graffiti are already

greater than what we have budgeted for this year."

How to report suspicious activity or safety issues:

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Call 911 in emergency situations

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Call the district Safety Tip Line at 425-385-5050 to leave an anonymous message

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E-mail the safetytip@everettsd.org to share concerns about activity or safety issues related to schools

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http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/everett/4-2-08

5/18/2009