The following information has been provided by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department:

As a result of numerous and ongoing complaints regarding graffiti, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Jurupa Valley Station focused on businesses that sell spray paint.

A minor under the age of 18 years old was sent into various locations throughout the Jurupa Valley area, under constant supervision, to purchase spray paint. If the cashier sold the spray paint to the minor, they were issued a citation for selling spray paint to a minor.

After the decoy left the premises, County Code Enforcement Officers entered the location to look for other violations regarding the proper storage of the paint and signs indicating the minimum age of 18 years to purchase paint. If the location selling the items was in violation, the business was cited for the violation(s).

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, to sell, give or in any way furnish to any person under the age of 18 years, any aerosol container of paint that is capable of defacing property.

A total of 11 locations were visited and the following locations were issued citations:

Car Quest Auto – Rubidoux - Cited for not properly storing spray paint containers and not having the signs properly posted

Indoor Swap Meet – Rubidoux – One vendor was cited for not properly storing spray paint containers, and not having the signs properly posted.

Omaha Auto – Glen Avon – Cashier cited for selling spray paint to a minor, company cited for not properly storing spray paint containers, and not having signs properly posted.

Kmart – Pedley – Cashier cited for selling spray paint to a minor, company cited for not properly storing spray paint containers, and not having signs properly posted.

Lowe’s – Mira Loma – Cashier cited for selling spray paint to a minor, company cited for not properly storing spray paint containers, and not having signs properly posted.

Business and employees that were in compliance were advised of the program and their compliance.

In an effort to discourage graffiti, future programs of this type are planned for the future.

Filed under Headline

Friday, July 10, 2009

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