Seven Mississauga boys are facing mischief charges in connection with hundreds of vandalism incidents in Meadowvale targeting schools, hydro boxes and other structures.
Peel Regional Police officers from the 11 Division Neighbourhood Policing Unit made the arrests this week after starting a probe in response to more than 300 incidents of graffiti on hydro boxes, cable boxes, street signs and mail boxes in the area of Winston Churchill Blvd. and Eglinton Ave. W. Several schools within the community were also targeted with graffiti, beginning in late July, police said. The total property damage from all the graffiti is about $25,000.
Countless complaints about the graffiti were made to Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito. The councillor told police about the complaints and the investigation began, police said.
“Project Bobcat” led to the arrests of seven males, aged 15 and 16. They were charged with a host of property related offences, including mischief over $5,000 and mischief under $5,000
"Police take these incidents very seriously and will continue to have no tolerance towards this type of behavior," Cst. Adam Minnion said. "Though some believe graffiti to be an art form, it has a negative effect on our neighbourhoods and the ability of our citizens to enjoy them."
Citizens are encouraged to report incidents of graffiti and vandalism to police as soon as they are identified, Minnion said.
"Maintaining a community partnership is the best and most efficient way of combating this type of crime," he said.
lrosella@mississauga.net
