|
The
purpose of gang graffiti is to glorify the gang.
It is meant to create a sense of intimidation and it may
increase the sense of fear within a neighborhood.
Gang members use graffiti to mark their territory,
declare their allegiance to the gang, advertise a gang's
status or power, and to challenge other rivals.
Graffiti is used to communicate messages between gangs
using codes with common meaning.
When a neighborhood is marked with graffiti, the entire
area becomes a target for violence. A rival gang
identifies everyone in the neighborhood as a potential
threat. Consequently, innocent residents are
subjected to gang violence.
If you
see property that has been vandalized by what you
consider to be "gang" graffiti, please call the DeKalb
Police Department at 815/748-8400 with the following
information:
- The
street address where the damage is located
- The
property owner's name if available
- The
type of property on which the damage is located
(house, fence, bridge, etc.)
- Any
information you have relating to who damaged the
property
A police
officer will respond, take a report and photograph the
damage. The officer will determine if it is gang
graffiti. Established procedures will be followed to
have the property owner or another agency remove the
damage.
Should you have questions or need assistance regarding
gang graffiti and/or its removal you may call the DeKalb
Police Department at 815/748-8400.
See
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 52.75 'GRAFFITI DEFACEMENT.' |