Graffiti Tagging Continues In Downtown Batavia, PD Increases Patrols

BATAVIA, IL — In response to the escalating graffiti tagging incidents, the Batavia Police Department is increasing both vehicle and foot patrol in downtown Batavia, Deputy Chief Michael Johnson told Patch.

Batavia police are also searching for a person of interest in connection to the ongoing criminal defacement investigation in the city. Officials posted a photo Tuesday afternoon showing a man wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses and asked for the public's help identifying him.

The first incident Batavia police took a report for was July 11 on South River Street. Since then, tagging has increased, especially in October, data shows.

Of a total of 30 incidents, six were reported Sept. 13 on South Batavia Avenue and 12 were reported Oct. 5 at 100 Shumway Ave. The latest report came Wednesday on West Wilson Street, according to data.

RELATED: 'Numerous' Graffiti Incidents Reported Downtown: Batavia Police

"At this point — because of commonalities in the graffiti, the combination of letters and numbers — we believe it the same individual or group," Deputy Chief Eric Blowers told the Daily Herald.

Officials released a picture of a person wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses and are asking anyone who can identify the person to contact the Batavia Police Department at 630-454-2500 or Kane County Forest Preserve Police at 630-232-5980.