Police initially became aware of “SIPS” and “SIPSTER” graffiti tags in January of 2023. Investigators located another 24 unreported graffiti tags throughout the city, and liaising with Capital City Clean Up discovered another 44 instances. The estimated cost of removal currently exceeds $11,000.
Police identified a suspect and executed a search warrant where evidence related to the graffiti tags were seized.
Skylar George Wood, 22, has since been arrested and charged with mischief over $5000 and 18 counts of mischief under $5000.
“We believe that there may be other victims that have not reported vandalism to their properties from the “SIPS” or “SIPSER” tag,” says EPS Whyte Avenue Beat Const. Olivier Gallant. “Victims are encouraged to contact police if their properties have been vandalized with either of these tags.”
Example of the “SIPS” tag
GRAFFITI INFORMATION:
Graffiti vandalism is any inscription, slogan, drawing, etc., scratched scribbled or drawn, most often in spray paint, on public or private property without permission.
The graffiti most prevalent in Edmonton "hip hop graffiti", which refers to a four to eight letter tag that may or may not spell a word. This tag becomes the tagger’s signature or moniker. The tagger paints their respective tag name to cause damage and gain fame within graffiti sub-culture. These vandals will usually tag with a crew represented by three letters often painted with their tag name. Gang graffiti accounts for less than three per cent of graffiti in the City of Edmonton.
Graffiti vandalism is the most visible and prominent crime in a neighbourhood, making it appear unsafe. The Broken Windows Theory tells us that the appearance of disorder will attract and cause more disorder and the escalation of crime.
The EPS would like to remind citizens to of the “3 Rs”: Record, Report and Remove
Record
If you have been victimized by graffiti vandalism record it for evidence and insurance purposes. Take photos of the vandalized area and record when it occurred. This information will be required when you report it.
Report
If you witness graffiti in progress, call 911. Alternatively, anonymous information about graffiti suspects can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
If a property owner discovers graffiti on their property it can be reported to the EPS via the complaint line at 780-423-4567, through online reporting, or at a community or divisional station.
All citizens are encouraged to call the City of Edmonton at 311 or fill out their online form to report graffiti on public and private property whenever it is spotted.
Remove
Property owners who fail to remove graffiti within a reasonable time may be fined $250 (effective April 1, 2008). It's important to send graffiti offenders the message that graffiti will not be tolerated.
The Capital City Clean Up program can help by providing up to $750 of free professional graffiti cleaning services to property owners per year.
https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/graffiti_litter/graffiti-management