It says cases have increased nearly 15% this year. "This is the busiest year when it comes to graffiti," said Mike Purdy who's Community Service Coordinator at City of Pueblo.

Police Chief Rich St. John said about half of the graffiti cases are gang-related. Of the remaining incidents, 41 are blamed on graffiti artists and 22 have anti-government or hate messages.

Police say graffiti was first found on the walls of buildings around Shamokin back in July. A total of ten properties were defaced before investigators identified a 15-year-old they say is ...