Graffiti artists continue to deface buildings, fences and other items throughout Indiana Borough, home to Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

In one area, at least six garage doors and buildings were marred by black spray paint early Saturday morning, said a spokesman for borough police.

Between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., two or three white males were spotted near the 1000 and 1100 blocks of School Street and Klondyke Avenue, where graffiti was painted on several buildings with black spray paint, Officer Randy Allmendinger said in a police report.

The unknown artists, who were confronted by residents, ran away, the report said.

It is believed college students are involved in at least some of the damage.

"Over a period of time, this semester alone, you can easily count 30 buildings alone, and new fences -- they love new fences," the spokesman said.

"I think some of them, when they get inebriated, they feel a little bit freer and they don't have anything better to do with their time."

Police believe there are different mischief makers involved because the artwork has been found in different sections of the borough and has reflected different styles.

Sometimes the culprits use the materials at hand. A Giant Eagle Express is under construction and workers left behind orange paint, which was used by an unknown person or persons to deface the structure.

The graffiti -- which sometimes leaves behind obscene words, apologies for being drunk and sayings like "Free MD13," a reference to a Latin gang -- has inconvenienced borough residents and business owners, the police spokesman said.

Three weeks ago, one resident had to sandblast a new wooden fence that had been defaced before it could be treated, he said.

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