Cortez businesses tagged in graffiti spree late Tuesday night

Just Creatures and Habitats, formerly JC Pets, and Methodist Thrift Shop in Cortez were tagged with graffiti along with at least 13 other locations late Tuesday night. (Ann Marie Vanderveen/The Journal)
Cortez Police Department is searching for suspects

Multiple Cortez businesses around Main Street were tagged in a graffiti spree late Tuesday night, including Methodist Thrift Shop, LaDawn’s Resale Shoppe and Just Creatures and Habitats.

City spokesperson Kelly Codner said at least 15 locations were affected.

“There’s lots and lots of names on the victim list,” she said.

Codner said four officers were going door to door Wednesday morning to interview those affected. She said police have footage captured at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday of teenagers suspected to be involved in the incident.

Police are encouraging residents with video footage or photos of the incident to call dispatch at 970‑565‑8441 to receive a secure link to upload their materials. Affected property owners can also call dispatch and reference police report number 26000795 to ensure they are included in the report. The detectives’ division is now investigating the case.

City Hall issued an announcement on Facebook reminding residents of the city’s Graffiti Cleanup Grant, which reimburses small businesses and nonprofits half the cost of graffiti removal up to $500. Affected parties who’ve filed a police report can apply for the grant at tinyurl.com/CT-Cleanup.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

avanderveen@the-journal.com



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