West Valley City, Utah Gang Graffiti April 2009 article

This is a serious harm to property values and tax revenue in the area. It should be cleaned up as a matter of public safety, since most of the video contained RIVAL gang messages appearing in close proximity. Unfortunately as I travel the state, I do see gangs spreading in areas where gang activity historically did not occur such as high value real estate areas and small communities.

Most cities require a property waiver signature in case of damage, and or they will provide free resources to residents such as paint, paint brushes. Due to the territorial behavior of criminal gangs, it is important not to just leave the graffiti as is.



http://www.abc4.com/mostpopular/story/West-Valley-City-has-the-paint-if-you-have-the/fQLhzpzIiEWFqHvBjjSIjQ.cspx


Comments that I made after reading the article and viewing the video:


gang research - 4/18/2009

http://www.utahandamericasgangcrisis.blogspot.com

After viewing the video clip this is all gang tag vandalism and not graffiti art.

This should be a wake up call to residents that there is a serious drug and gang related problem very CLOSE by. It might not be directed at the individual residence, but do not just totally overlook it.

Support your local law enforcement efforts by turning in suspicious vehichles, convenience store type in and out of a residence or car to car interactions.Visit the Salt Lake County Metro Gang Website for more information.

Gang or non gang this is still vandalism and depending on the cost of the damage should be classified as felony level. The tax paying citizens of the State deserve to have the laws enforced and enhanced if needed. In 2008 many laws were tightened in regards to both Graff and gang issues. I encourage everyone to document the vandalism (YES you can track down the criminals involved)Yes they do leave very distinct personalized monikers and other trace evidence. utahgangpics2009@yahoo.com

You can send in an address or make contact with an independent graffiti researcher. To the elected officials-please make sure that the cities, counties have resources to enforce existing laws related to gang and graffiti issues. As tax payers we all pay for the cost of gangs and graffiti in our neighborhoods.

West Valley City Policy Varies from Salt Lake County Policy on graffiti

http://www.abc4.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=90683@video.ktvx.com





Http://www.utahandamericasgangcrisis.blogspot.com

See notes left on the Abc4.com comments regarding graffiti harm

Cities provide paint for free, use the Salt Lake County Website if you have questions in your city.