Harrison, Brackenridge police investigating after 'taggers' vandalize properties

Graffiti artists have left their unwanted mark on a Brackenridge business and other sites in Harrison.

Property owner Cameron Yockey said he discovered Feb. 3 that his building along Brackenridge Avenue had been tagged. Vandals scribbled on the storefront, sidewalk and trash can.

“Thankfully, we bought this building to renovate it, so this is all work we were planning to do anyway,” said Yockey, president of Realty ONE Group in Harrison.

Yockey said a dumpster outside one of his buildings in Harrison also was tagged.

Police in both municipalities are investigating the incidents, which appear to be isolated.

“This hasn’t been townshipwide,” Harrison Chief Mike Klein said.

“This isn’t routine. It’s just someone attempting to leave their mark. We’re hoping to catch up with them.”

Vandals will be charged with criminal mischief.

Yockey owns at least six buildings in Highlands School District communities. He purchased most of them to renovate and help fight blight.

Cost estimates for the cleanup are about $1,000.

Yockey said this is the first time one of his properties has been vandalized.

Not only does it cause an eyesore, he said, it’s frustrating that people don’t consider the value of other people’s property.

“The good thing is we hadn’t fixed it up yet,” Yockey said. “Plus, we learned a lesson, and now we have cameras everywhere.”