GRAFFITI AND CRIME NOTICES

Well, it has come to my attention that the north east side of our community has been vandalized pretty badly by graffiti. Now, I don't know what these symbols mean, nor do I pretend to know anything about gangs or gang related activity. But, taken in conjunction with the increased visibility of these kids I see with nice shiny chrome bikes all wearing similar clothes (white T-shirts and black pants) roaming through the area, it makes me a bit suspect. And, last I joined you, I think I said something about July and August being the worst time of the year for crime. Well, it appears that premonition was true. I've looked and looked and looked and looked online to see what these things mean and I can't really find anything. Maybe one of them, but again, I'm not even going to make any generalizations.

The area's 'hit' are the alley behind Richards (again), the alley off Blaine between Hazen and Merritt and the alley along Alto between Merrifield (I think) and Hazen.

So anyhow, I'm sure it's very easy to go 'oooh' and 'aww, what a shame' so I thought I'd include some pictures for your viewing pleasure. Think about having this on your fence or your stop sign when you are having family over the 4th of July and ask yourself how long we are going to tolerate things like this and look the other way and wonder 'should I call the cops'. Yes, call the damn cops! If someone looks suspicious around here, folks, call the cops. Take notes of what you see, when you see it, and all that stuff and call the cops! That's what they're for. And, on a side note, someone must have heeded that advice because one of the Hooligans on Bikes got picked up for a breaking and entering or something. Good job! Keep it up!

So, I'm afraid I'm not my normal jovial self, but this kind of sucks. It's not 'too bad', it's not a pity. It's not something to just say 'boy, if there's anything I can do...'. It's a damn shame and we need to be extra vigilant to let those people who think it's okay to pull this kind of ___ in Alger Heights...bunch of punks! Pardon my French, but that stuff is not fun to look at and it's less fun to clean up.

And, on that topic, the board is all over this one. If the city can't get it done fast enough, the Board assures me it will get handled as quickly as possible. This weekend maybe? Be vigilant folks! Alger Heights is not 'that type of community' so let's not let it get there. Any questions, comments, or advice, you know how to contact me.

Sorry for swearing.

UPDATE: The board tells me this should be removed within the week as expected. Thanks guys!! And, on a broader note, a friend of mine claims to have seen this graffiti on city buses and some spots outside of Alger Heights. Bridge and Monroe, I think. So, keep an eye out and maybe we can collectively put two and two together. And, Don over in the 1400 block of Hazen e-mailed me this the other day:

'Up here on the 1400 block of Hazen (east of Kalamazoo) we had two break-ins in the light of day! The suspect is a medium skinned male(black or hispanic) with dark hair in a pony tail and a small goatee. he has been seen walking around talking on a cell phone recently. He cut the screens and gained entry through open, unlocked windows. Keep an eye out and keep everything locked.'

I think I need a name. Is Anna (get it..AHNA) too trite?