Possible increase of graffiti in Byron

(ABC 6 News) – In a community newsletter released Wednesday the City of Byron said they have seen an increase in graffiti around town, and said the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. However, the sheriff’s office says that is not quite true.

The community newsletter reads as follows.

Olmsted County Sheriff’s deputies have increased the number of patrols at night and on weekends in Byron in response to the recent spike in graffiti appearing on public and private structures in town. The deputies are including foot patrols through local parks and other areas of concern as part of that increased presence. Information from residents could help catch the vandals, explained Deputy Adam Hennen.
“If you see someone out of place or acting in a suspicious manner – especially after hours – please call the main dispatch number at (507) 328-6800,” asked Deputy Hennen. “We’d much rather stop illegal activity before it happens.”
He said the local School Resource Officer, Deputy Nate Jacobson is actively involved in the investigation, also. Hennen said the graffiti doesn’t appear to be anything sinister such as gang-tagging. “It’s teen angst,” he remarked.

The Sheriff’s office says they are not actively investigating any incidents of graffiti, and they have not seen a significant increase. Deputy Hennen did say there was an isolated incident reported in July that sparked some interest and more foot patrols.

Some people in the community say in the past graffiti has been an issue, but they are not seeing much right now.

“I haven’t seen any. My daughter – she’s mentioned at the red park not too far from us that there’s been some etchings of just kind of disgusting stuff. Kids are bored. There just isn’t a lot of outside activities in Byron,” said Wendy Niemeyer, a longtime Byron resident.