Casa Grande pilot program aims to deter graffiti artists, vandals

CASA GRANDE - In an effort to deter graffiti artists and other vandals from ruining parks, the City of Casa Grande is turning to technology to help combat the chronic problem.

The city is implementing a three-month pilot program.

A local company is installing strobe lights and motion sensors at two Casa Grand parks, which will activate if someone is in the park after-hours.

"It make it much easier for officers to see what's going on in the area," said Thomas Anderson with the Casa Grande Police Department.

Anderson said the strobe light should help alert nearby officers that someone is in the park.

Residents said graffiti is a lingering problem.

"The graffiti is a bad, bad thing in this town," said resident Leif Garcia. "They do have quite a bit of it."

Garcia wishes graffiti artists could put their talents to better use, rather than tagging local parks.

"Some of these guys are pretty good artists," he said. "I think they could make a good living, they just need to be put in the right direction."

Some of the sensors will have an audible alarm and they can even notify authorities. City officials will review the program after three months to determine if it is a permanent solution.