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

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.

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.

Wednesday, Feb 20 at 6:45 PM Just Me... wrote ...

Cont..as to "Artist",I have an Idea!why don't you make sure your legal in the U.S.Then get a job!(legal).Then go buy some property of your own...pay for the building of your own wall,and then open it up to anyone that wants to show up at any hour of the day or night and paint anything they want on it!!! Then hope your not the one that gets fined for it being considerd punk art by the city,state, or just the local community! You know the old saying "one mans garbage is another mans treasure"...

Wednesday, Feb 20 at 6:10 PM Just Me... wrote ...

Anyone that paints on other peoples property without permission,in my book is a punk!And yes I do wish they would crack down on all of the "illegals"/gangs whatever!.Art is for the property of the artist.Then it may be displayed anywhere/when allowed or desired by the owner(s)of such property!No I'm not of Hispanic descent.None of my family has ever been of "illegal descent".For they followed the laws enacted at the time,and did what was required.In order to follow the laws of the country then!

Wednesday, Feb 20 at 9:47 AM artist wrote ...

Everyone is getting this wrong. Some of these kids are expressing themselves thrue graffity art. Please lets not confuse gang related trash with Graffity art. Peolple really need to quit making this a racial thing. I suggest making a designated wall where graffity artist can paint their beautiful art.

Wednesday, Feb 20 at 3:52 AM Lorenzo wrote ...

Wow you are of latino descent and you are saying to deport illegals, that is funny,lol, you say that you are of descent but not to the bone. La Raza, you know, no you don't, you should be ashamed, but may be you are ashamed of your descent, threce huh i know some ya they can cause a problem, but why just send them all off, when you can make a difference in ones life, thats why i said you, don't know what La Raza means, you are ashamed of your own people.

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 9:18 PM Mr.D wrote ...

Lorenzo, you are 100% correct I am of Hispanic decent and it seams that alot of the graffiti that you see on those buildings have the # "13" which I know is latino gang related. Just watch GANGLAND on Thursday nights. My brother I love our people but this gang graffiti stuff has got to stop for all races, also Sally is right and I apologize for making it a racial thing.

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 8:19 PM Sally wrote ...

Come on, don't blame illegals for graffiti. This is a problem that comes with gangs: blacks, hispanics and whites. Let's not make this a racial thing!

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 7:57 PM Lorenzo wrote ...

Mr. D, I guess you did't realize that your ancestors were once illegals as well. But the problem is not grouped only for latinos, all races are included in this crime, before you make a statement at least make an educated one.

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 7:15 PM Tim wrote ...

These punks just want this country to look run down, like the country that they fled. If they are that home sick, then go back!!! They are bringing thier old way of life to our country, trying to lower our standards that of the old country...ain't going to happen boys!!!

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 6:18 PM Mr.D wrote ...

Come on Indiana deport all the illegals around here and the graffiti will go away. The whole gang thing is so lame I mean what do these punks have to prove, that they can be tough and come to our country and pull this junk. Put them on a bus w/ a one way ticket to south of the boarder. If they want to be here then sign up to be a respectable U.S. citizen and then take care of the country that you live in and not put graffiti all over it like idiots. Get real people!

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 5:36 PM Michelle wrote ...

Obviously, the last person who commented about the "beautiful painting" didn't notice the actual grafitti...look again. I hope the Elkhart police really step up on this and nip it in the bud. If not, gang-related issues could get much worse. We, as a community, need to let them (gangs) know that we will not tolerate their antics.

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 4:53 PM tommy wrote ...

i dont know what there complaining about, thats a beautiful painting on the side of the building.

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