Miller Neighborhood

Gang GRAFFITI

Graffiti and Gangs. . .Can't have one without the other!

Gang activity is a serious and complex subject. Youth gangs are nothing new; they were documented in our country's earliest days. So why is everyone so concerned now? It's simple. Gangs = Violence!

And violence isn't something we want in our neighborhood, is it?

Miller Neighborhood residents fight the ongoing problem of gang graffiti in very few areas of the neighborhood. Until 2002, our main concern had been the old cleaners building at 2800 NW 12th Street. The east side of the building seems to be "the place" gangs like to "mark their turf". It hasn't mattered whether the building was occupied or not. . .they continue to write on that wall!

Now, we're seeing their writings on several different areas of the neighborhood....Jimmy's Egg, Hyde's Station, the cleaner's building....and a few more scattered throughout the neighborhood.

We can say though that the residents of Miller work just as diligently in getting the gang slang removed. Action Center tells us that more than one resident calls to report the "cleaners building on NW 12th is marked up again". Due to budget cuts, the City no longer removes graffiti from private buildings.

We must begin to be even more diligent and keep a handle on this problem. Please call any evidence of graffiti you see in to the Action Center and to the police and Gang and Drug Hotline so there is a record of it. Then, if it is on your property remove as soon as possible. Those who do the defacing of property may just become discourged if their messages do not remain long. And, besides that it makes the area appear ugly and crime ridden.

Be Alert.....be Aware.

Be assured though that the police are watching our area for gang members who feel they have to mark our buildings. And....you can help your neighborhood by being alert. Don't just watch over your property. Take an interest in your neighbor's property as well.

If you live near a well-known "graffiti wall", be alert to any suspicious activity in the area. Never attempt to stop anyone engaged in writing graffiti! Call 911 and report what's happening.

Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association

The O.G.I.A. has published a booklet, "Gangs, A Guide For The Community". It's very informative about gangs and what happens when they move into your neighborhood. The O.G.I.A. also has a web site and a link has been placed below to that site.

They encourage us to learn more about the subject saying that "knowledge is power. And a gang is only as strong as a community allows it to be!"