Ghost graffiti haunts Garner

Town offers reward of $1,000, video game consoles

GARNER -- For months, the word "Ghost" has been popping up on buildings and street signs in Garner, and no one knows what to make of it.

It's not tied to any gang, said Sgt. Joe Binns with the Garner Police Department. Binns said this week he believes the culprit is likely a youth having a little fun.

Whoever it is, he said, city officials just want it to stop.

"It's a major nuisance to the community," Binns said. "They're just putting 'Ghost' everywhere."

Every few days, Garner police officials get a call about the graffiti. A railroad bridge, several street signs and a parking lot sign at an apartment complex were targets last weekend.

Most of the vandalism has been done on local businesses or on government property, such as North Garner Middle School at 720 Powell Drive.

Fears that the vandalism is being seen by others as a blow to Garner's dignity has prompted the town's Board of Alderman to pass an ordinance requiring graffiti to be cleaned up within 48 hours after being reported. To catch the vandal, the board is offering a $1,000 reward.

"It's an aggravation to the people," said Alderman Buck Kennedy. "It's not the kind of picture we want to present to people thinking about coming to live in Garner. This is our attempt to snuff it out -- to get rid of this act rather than let it become ... something of a fad."

Police officials agree.

"It's an eyesore," Binns said. "It detracts from the community."

"We feel strongly that people should feel safe and secure and that they have a good image of their community."

Assuming the miscreant is a juvenile, police are offering a $500 reward or one of the following: a Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, or Nintendo Wii. This is on top of the town's $1,000 reward.

Anyone with any information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 226-2746 or the Garner Police Department at 772-8810. Tips can remain anonymous.