Graffiti a growing problem in Elkhart despite recent arrests

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Graffiti a growing problem in Elkhart despite recent arrests

The Midwest Museum of Art in Elkhart was recently marked with graffiti. Police say it is a growing problem despite recent arrests. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 19, 2008 at 4:18 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 19, 2008 at 5:22 PM EST

ELKHART — It's a problem that's making a comeback in Elkhart. Police arrested two teenagers who admitted to spraying graffiti. But the troubles don't end with that case.

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The graffiti problem seems to be growing, especially on the south side of the downtown area. It's gradually heading to the downtown and is turning up on businesses. Until now, it was confined to side streets and alleys.

“Oh yeah, there's been more going on in the last 2 to 3 years,” said Denzel Archer, whose business has been hit. “I don't know whether it’s gang-related, or just kids out thinking they're having a good time."

The Midwest Museum of Art was recently hit.

"It is an issue when people come to the downtown,” said Brian Byrn with the museum. “It relates to gangs, I suppose. It just doesn't look very good when you're trying to keep a beautiful downtown to encourage people to come downtown."

Earlier this month, police arrested two teenagers who admitted to taking part in about 20 separate incidents. But the problem with graffiti continues.

"Graffiti has really increased quite a bit. Even though we've arrested a couple of people, it’s just something that's on the increase right now,” explained Lt. Ed Windbigler of the Elkhart Police. “A lot of it is gang graffiti. It's just something we don't know if it’s a wannabe person, or if it’s somebody that is actually in a gang."

"I don't know what they are thinking when they do it,” Archer said. ”I think they just think they are having fun, and they destroy everybody else's property."

Recently, the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce office was also hit by graffiti.

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