Reason #59,996 why we hate tagging

So our videographer just came back from the Me-Kwa-Mooks sign dedication. Video to come — there were many wonderful things about the event, and great people there — but infuriatingly, some criminal(s) already tagged the new sign. Almost cause for breaking our no-swear-words-on-the-site policy. Yes, it’s been reported to the police. Organizers say they’ll be able to clean this idiotic vandalism off the sign’s plastic cover, thank heavens. (Sorry we’re breaking the “don’t publicize taggers by showing their stuff” credo — we’re making the picture smaller, at least — but this is too maddening not to report.)

By the way, as we review the forthcoming video, we note that Judy Bentley, who led the event, was good-natured enough to describe the vandalism, pre-unveiling, as “a sixth unanticipated layer of history” on the sign.

Erik October 6, 2007 (11:44 am)

Looks like the handywork of our lil crime family down the street. The cops know who it is, and will probably do nothing.

herongrrrl October 6, 2007 (12:02 pm)

FYI, one of the attendees ran home and got some cleaning supplies, and cleaned it up before the event was over.

As a neighbor of the park, I am not in the least surprised that this happened. It won’t be the last time, but at least if they keep using markers it’s pretty easy to clean up.

Cy October 6, 2007 (1:51 pm)

I’d like to tag their rear end with my foot. If I see them doing it I will. Then we’ll call the cops.

How about you taggers (something tells me your not reading this blog) do something more impressive than wright your name down. Lightweights, completely.

CandrewB October 6, 2007 (3:32 pm)

Tagging is like getting your car keyed. It’s the one crime where it is almost worth it to catch them in the act. However, since it’s a crime of cowardice, you never do.

Lois October 6, 2007 (8:15 pm)

I would recommend using a coating to resist markers, paints, inks and even acid etching on any newly installed, graffiti-vulnerable sign. Graffiti-resistant sealers using silicone, polyethylene, silicon/ nitrogen polymers or other non-stick polymers are designed to form a protective barrier over substrate material or surface finishes. Most are spray-on coatings, others are peel-and-stick films. They create a slick surface resistant to dirt, graffiti and bacterial growth, and may be installed over signs, masonry surfaces, painted surfaces, wood, metal, etc. Some dissolve when graffiti is removed and must be reapplied. (I am not sure about any environmentally friendly coatings in this category, although I have heard some biodegradable and non-flammable graffiti-preventive sealants are being manufactured.

If you suspect the identity of a graffiti tagger and know which school he or she may attend, consider digitally photographing the graffiti and emailing a copy to the schoolÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s principal, the school security personnel for that school and the SW Precinct Community Police Team Officer for that area. Quite a few graffiti taggers use the same identifying names and marks over and over in their graffiti. Several taggers have been identified and held accountable through school personnel, who recognized familiar tags and Ã¢â‚¬Å“monikersÃ¢â‚¬Â in graffiti from seeing the same repeated on the kidÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s notebooks and other personal items.