‘Graffiti problem now uncontrollable’

Describing the graffiti problem on Saipan “uncontrollable,” the Department of Public Safety has stepped up its operation against vandals, particularly the ones responsible for spray-painting the word “xenocide.”

DPS noted that graffiti are now rampant in bus stops, library, private and government buildings, parks, and even in parked vehicles.

In a press conference yesterday, DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau’s Juvenile Investigator Vincent Mareham said the graffiti problem is getting very serious so they need to step up and arrest these vandals.

Mareham disclosed that on Sunday night, patrol officers arrested one of three male juveniles who spray-painted the public restroom at the Susupe Beach Park.

The investigator said two other male juveniles managed to run away from the pursuing officers.

The restroom had just been painted as part of a cleanup program conducted by Tan Holdings’ officials, employees and their family members.

As for the “xenocide problem,” Mareham said they have some good leads on the person or persons responsible for this. He said he could not go into details because they are currently working on leads.

“If you look at xenocide, ‘xeno’ means foreigners, ‘cide’ means killings. Killing of foreigners. That is disturbing!” Mareham said.

He believes that the public should help DPS arrest the xenocide vandal or vandals because it is instilling fear, especially in the tourism industry.

“People won’t come here to do business if they see these signs,” Mareham said. “That’s why we are asking public’s help if they see or have knowledge about these vandals to call DPS, Crime Stoppers or the Criminal Investigation Bureau.”

Mareham said patrol officers are now intensifying their patrols, particularly in dark areas in public places and parks.

DPS spokesperson Lei Ogumoro said most graffiti are done by minors.

“We encourage the families, parents in general, to ensure that their children are not vandals and they know where their children are going and what they do,” Ogumoro said.

She urged the public to provide them information in order to assist investigators in developing cases against these vandals.

Ogumoro reminded the vandals that they are not only destroying property and premises of business owners and the government, but they are also taking a risk if they are caught.

If convicted, these people will face felony or misdemeanor charges and there will be jail time and severe fines, as well as restitution.

Ogumoro said the penalty ranges from five to 10 years in prison and a $500 fine or more.