Graffiti cleanup equipment has ironic funding source: drug dealers
The West Allis Police Department is kicking off its 2009 graffiti abatement program this spring with a little help from drug dealers.
The city has purchased a state-of-the-art pressure washer, which police will use to help residents and businesses remove graffiti from walls and other surfaces tagged by vandals. The pressure washer is self-contained unit that does not require separate water or electric power source to get into secluded areas.
To pay for that handy piece of equipment, police are tapping money seized from drug dealers.
Starting Wednesday, April 15, the city will clean up graffiti every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning to remove the vandalism within 48 to 72 hours of a report.
"Graffiti abatement continues to be one of the many 'quality of life' issues that confront our community on a daily basis," Police Chief Michael Jungbluth and Mayor Dan Devine said in a news release.
To report graffiti, call the Police Department at (414) 302-8000.
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