HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said it is trying to crack down on the increasing problem of tagging along the C-470 corridor and other areas in the county.

Authorities said the graffiti problem has grown to the point that they are asking for the public's help in catching the perpetrators and help prevent taggers from leaving their mark in the first place.

"It's not something we are used to seeing in Douglas County and I think that's why it has caught our eye," said Deputy Cocha Heyden of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. "We don't tolerate this and it's not something that we're used to, and we don't want to get used to it."

Some residents said they questioned if the problem could be prevented or solved altogether.

"No, I don't think so. You have teenagers who will be teenagers and they think it's funny to do it," said Palomino Park resident Neil Turner. "It's really annoying."

Authorities said there are two types of taggers: juveniles who do it for fun, and hard-core taggers who do it for other reasons.

"Marking their territory, maybe a hit list of sorts," Heyden said.

Police are asking the public to be their eyes and ears to help keep the problem from getting worse in Douglas County.

"I haven't experienced too much of it, but I know it costs a lot of money to take care of," said Douglas County resident Anne-Marie Lemieux. "It would be nice for all of us to pitch in to take care of it."

Police said while it may be impossible to prevent graffiti altogether, there are steps residents can take to minimize the chance that their property will get tagged.

Police said residents should keep up the appearance of their property and report graffiti right away if it happens.

It is also suggested that residents take time to talk to young people in the community about the drawbacks of graffiti.

Anyone with information about the tagging incidents are asked to call the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.