The OKC Police Department’s Graffiti Unit was quick to point out that these criminals aren’t like other criminals, gang members who “tag” public property to mark territory. These criminals are much more serious — they do it for the thrills. A NewsOK report stated, “[They] are drawn to the excitement of almost being caught.”
These dangerous criminals go far beyond spraying their inititals with spray paint, sometimes embellishing these public buildings with crude drawings or phrases. According to OKC police, nearly 80 percent of graffiti here comes from these criminals, as opposed to the 20 percent that is gang-related.
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2014.