Colorado Springs sees increase in graffiti reports

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Graffiti is a growing problem in Colorado Springs, turning the city’s beautiful landscape into an eyesore.

City services responsible for cleaning say they are seeing an increase in the number of people reporting graffiti.

“We’re seeing more and more graffiti in different places,” said Tom Wasinger, acting code enforcement manager for the city of Colorado Springs.

Wasinger says that the locations also include unusual places that people do not normally have access to.

The problem is that once graffiti is painted over, it always returns to the same place.

“We’re just behind the number of complaints that are coming in. We’re taking one step forward and two steps back,” Wasinger said.

Eric Maki, who walks the Sinton Trail daily, says the graffiti is becoming unsightly.

“It’s childish and annoying,” Maki said.

The Springs Cleanup team says online reporting helps crews respond more quickly. On the GoCOS app, people can share descriptions of graffiti with specific locations.

“It will get more people on the streets,” Wasinger said.

The city says it wants to work with private property owners who
were repeatedly attacked and asked to contact the team.

If anyone has unwanted beige, brown or white paint, they can donate it to the team.

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