11 teens are arrested in graffiti case

Eleven teenagers who authorities said were responsible for much of the graffiti in the city were arrested Tuesday by a task force of deputies. The boys, ages 15 to 17, are suspects in 63 acts of vandalism and were snared with the aid of a new graffiti-tracking database that Orange County sheriff's officials said makes it easier to identify the taggers.

Five of the youths were booked at Juvenile Hall on felony vandalism charges. The others were charged with misdemeanor vandalism and released to the custody of their parents.

The 11, along with four other juveniles arrested in July, are responsible for about 85% of the graffiti in the city, authorities said.

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hgreza@latimes.com