Ottawa's first Graffiti Symposium got off to an early start on Saturday.
The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service held the symposium on the growing problem of graffiti in the city.
The vent was held at Confederation High School from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The aim was to educate residents about the city's enhanced graffiti management, prevention, removal and enforcement strategies.
However, at around 4:30 a.m. early Saturday morning in the Glebe, Ottawa Police were able to put those strategies into action.
Officers observed four male youths in front of 680 and 685 Bank St. near Clemow Avenue.
The teens were spraying the walls and windows of both stores. Police arrived on scene and with the assistance of the K-9 unit, three of the offenders were arrested.
They were then released to their parents under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. No charges were laid.
The fourth youth fled the scene and police are still investigating. Damages are estimated at approximately $1,200 for both buildings.
