New concerns about graffiti

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville City Councilman George Wangemann does not like the graffiti he is seeing in his own neighborhood, so much so that he has asked police to investigate.

Wangemann asked City Police Chief Brian Kelly to take a look at the gang graffiti painted on a wall in his West Avenue neighborhood. He says it's an indicator gangs are becoming more active and he is concerned.

"What is says is gang members are present in your neighborhood when ever there is graffiti on the wall," Wangemann said.

Chief Kelly says he has stepped up patrols and sent in Gang Task Force agents in response to a Wangemann's complaint. Kelly said the graffiti can be an indicator that local gangs are active. Charges for such vandalism range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the amount of damage done, and, Kelly says, if you someone painting graffiti anywhere in town, call police.

"Call 911 and alert your police department but don't approach the individuals," Kelly said. "Get the best description of them you can and give it to responding officers."

Kelly said the graffiti is often spray painted to symbolize nationally known street gangs or simply to mark the territory of a local gang.