Cops Seeking Graffiti Vandals

Montclair Police are reporting a rash of graffiti incidents on everything from playgrounds to homes.

Over the past 10 days or so, several graffiti incidents have been reported including one at the Union Congregational Church on Cooper Avenue, where graffiti, written with a black marker, was found on the roof.

Graffiti also was reported on the playground at Northeast Elementary School—again painted with a black marker. (Over the last few months, many graffiti incidents have been reported at Northeast.)

Just last Saturday, two residents on Claremont Avenue reported graffiti painted on the front screen doors of their homes. On the same day, graffiti was reported in the Fairfield parking lot, with the lines of the parking spaces painted over, and also at the entrance of the Watchung Elementary School playground.

The issue of graffiti is a phenomenon that's not unusual in summer months, said Montclair Det. Lt. Angel Roman Jr.

"It is summer and the kids are out of school. It's not very easy to narrow down suspects," Roman said. "It usually takes some time ... and most of the time it's a juvenile.

"There's not much punishment handed down unfortunately ... community service maybe," he added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Montclair's juvenile aid bureau at 973-744-1234.

Have you seen any graffiti around town? Let us know in the comments section below or email Shelley@patch.com.

'Like' Montclair Patch on Facebook by going here. And get all the local news sent straight to your inbox each morning by signing up for the Montclair Patch daily newsletter here.