City of Worcester, MA

Worcester Addressing Uptick in Graffiti

For Immediate Release: 3/1/2017 3:26 pm

Worcester, MA (March 1, 2017) - City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. today announced the City is working hard to combat a recent uptick in graffiti, and urging residents to report any instances of tagging they see.

"The City of Worcester has zero tolerance for defacement of public or private property," said City Manager Augustus. "Graffiti is demoralizing, degrading and unsightly. It negatively affects our property values, business sales and community image. We need the public's help to stamp out this destructive behavior in our community."

Over the past several weeks, the City has noticed an increase in tags in neighborhoods across the City. Numerous departments - including the Department of Public Works & Parks, the Worcester Police Department, Inspectional Services and the City Manager's Office - are working in a concentrated effort to combat the problem.

But they need the public's help. Residents and business owners should report any graffiti to the City. They can do so in a number of ways:

• Call DPW Customer Service hotline at (508) 929-1300.
• Report on the City's Online Customer Service Center.
• Download and report through the City's SeeClickFix App on iOS or Android devices.
• Use the WPD's Text-a-Tip hotline (details below).

Business owners with cameras are also asked to review their tapes if they are in the vicinity of tagging and report any and all suspicious acts.

Text-a-Tip

Using your mobile device, you may text anonymous tips to the WPD using the following method:

• Start a new text message to "CRIMES" (or 274637) on your handheld device.
• Type the keyword "TIPWPD" followed by a space and then your message.
• All subsequent messages can be sent without the keyword prefix.
• The text message is encrypted and an alias is generated, masking the identity of the sender from the police.
• Although the WPD service is free and requires no purchase or fee for participation, standard messaging rates and other fees may apply. Check your mobile plan for more details.
• Or call WPD at (508) 799-8606.