LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Police Department has taken action to improve security after an under-construction high-rise luxury condominium tower near the home of the Lakers fell victim to extensive graffiti vandalism. Around 30 floors of the 40-story tower in downtown L.A. were covered in tags, according to helicopter video footage.
In response to the incident, the LAPD’s Central Division revealed that it has met with representatives from the City Council district overseeing the Oceanwide Plaza project to discuss strategies for enhancing site security. The department announced that immediate measures would be implemented and the graffiti would be removed promptly.
Located across the street from the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Oceanwide Plaza project was meant to feature two 40-story towers. However, construction came to a halt in 2019 due to uncertainty regarding the company’s financial resources.
While the Oceanwide Plaza project is not the first in Los Angeles to be targeted by graffiti, it’s not the only case of vandalism on major construction projects in the city. For instance, the brand-new 6th Street Viaduct was spray-painted by vandals shortly after opening in July of 2022. Additionally, street racing and takeovers led to periodic closure of the bridge.
The incident at the Oceanwide Plaza project underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining security and preserving the visual appeal of major construction projects in downtown L.A. The LAPD’s efforts to implement immediate security measures highlight the importance of addressing such incidents swiftly to mitigate potential reputational or financial damage to these projects.