HARLINGEN – Harlingen police invested in a graffiti removal truck to help combat an issue targeting local parks.

Residents who live nearby C.B. Wood Park say it gets tagged often.

"I was an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, so I have a lot of respect for the outdoors," said Eric Gonzales, who lives by the park.

Gonzales says he comes to the park every day to walk his dog and "take him down the bike trails."

He said from curse words to questionable pictures, these are things he sees all too often in the area. He said they even go as far as to tag the trees.

"They'll tag the floor, the tables to walls. They'll tag the playground area, all along the concrete, anything they can get a spray can on," said Gonzales.

Raul Reyes works with the police department to remove the mess across town.

"Anything, where there is visible signs of graffiti, I'll go clean it up," he said. 

Right now, the city is focusing on hot spots like C.B. Wood Park.

"It's very important for the people to see that you're trying to keep the city as clean as possible where they can feel safe around this town," said Reyes.

He says they tend to see an increase in graffiti around this time of the year and in the summer.

"The holidays, any special events they might come out and tag somewhere. I'll be there to clean it up," he said. 

Gonzales says he's glad the city is making moves to clean up his favorite park.

Getting caught doing graffiti can land you a hefty fine of about $200, depending how much damage you do.

You can report graffiti in Harlingen by calling 956-216-5492.