Sault police probe surge in tagging and graffiti incidents

Police and Crime Stoppers in Sault Ste. Marie seek tips to identify vandals behind graffiti tags across the city.

Sault police are investigating ongoing incidents of tagging and graffiti.

In the past several weeks, police said there have been incidents in the downtown core, along major corridors, in public parks and on both private businesses and residential properties.

“These acts not only damage property, but also create safety concerns and place a significant financial burden on residents and business owners,” said officials with Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District in a news release.

Investigators have identified recurring tags appearing throughout the city – including the names cyclops, ghost and oman – linked to multiple incidents of illegal graffiti.

“Tagging and illegal graffiti is damaging property and costing businesses, residents and our community thousands of dollars. We want information that reveals those responsible for tags marked as Cyclops, Omen, Ghost and others,” said Brian Lester, a director for local Crime Stoppers, in a related online video.

“Let’s keep our city clean, safe and welcoming. Together, we can stop crime in its tracks.”

Anyone with information about the incidents or the identity of the taggers is asked to contact Sault police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.