Graffiti:Facing the Problem

Part 4 of 4

Graffiti and tagging are forms of vandalism that in most cases are perpetrated by juveniles. If the damage can be estimated over $400 it is a felony; however, the majority of cases are under that amount and therefore are misdemeanors. Parents are responsible for restitution, and juveniles are put on probation and their monikers recorded. But law enforcement officials interviewed for this series say that graffiti and tagging are a sign of things to come, that they are a symptom of a much bigger problem and should not be ignored.

Politicians and city officials agree that graffiti can be a problem. Those who clean the tagging warn that it is increasing and the messages are changing, with more of a gang influence. Most in law enforcement interviewed have also noticed an increase in tagging and graffiti. Some officials in the city and law enforcement say this is a cyclical event, others see it as a trend.

Surprisingly, many community members, from homeowners to students, say tagging is not a problem. One of the reasons given is that they do not see the area graffiti. They feel that they are still insulated from the general outside world and, because they do not personally see the graffiti, it is not a concern. That is, until they become a victim and an e-mail is generated to this paper with a request to add their voice to those who have noticed the small but present change in their community.

Though some might consider graffiti a minor issue, it is given priority treatment. "We take the little stuff seriously before it becomes the big stuff," said Glendale Detective Sean Riley.

Two Valley Sun reporters recently went on a ride-along with both the Glendale Police Department and the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Department where this proactive theory was put to the test.

In the past few weeks, many businesses in the La Cañada and Montrose areas have been victimized by a prolific tagger. Both GPD and CV Sheriff's Station had taken reports of this tagger. On Tuesday, in the early morning hours, a 15-year-old boy from Montrose, who is known by his tag moniker "Raser," was arrested by Glendale Police Officer Mark Littlebridge on suspicion of vandalism when he was found tagging a dumpster on Verdugo Boulevard with this moniker.