{"id":7415,"date":"2026-07-21T07:23:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T17:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/se-asiacenter.org\/?p=7415"},"modified":"2026-07-21T07:41:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T17:41:56","slug":"lets-talk-about-graffiti-its-not-a-victimless-crime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/se-asiacenter.org\/index.php\/2026\/07\/21\/lets-talk-about-graffiti-its-not-a-victimless-crime\/","title":{"rendered":"Let’s talk about graffiti. It’s not a victimless crime."},"content":{"rendered":"

Graffiti vandals tagged the side of our Bridge International School property on Foster Avenue, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:27 PM. The incident was captured on our surveillance cameras.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The video revealed four individuals \u2014 appearing to be teenagers \u2014 wearing cargo shorts, t\u2011shirts, and ball caps, each carrying cross\u2011body or shoulder bags. One appeared to act as a lookout while the others approached the building and began spray painting on the brick wall facing the CTA overpass.<\/p>\n

The suspected “lookout” wore a white t\u2011shirt with a bold black graphic and a black cap, with visible tattoos on his right arm. Another wore a rust\u2011colored t\u2011shirt and carried a distinctive two\u2011toned tote bag, bright green on the bottom half and white on the top half with brown handles. A third individual, seen actively spray\u2011painting the building with red paint, wore a gray shirt and white cap and carried both a black and an orange shoulder bag. The fourth wore a black t\u2011shirt, black cap, and a black shoulder bag.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Four youths caught on surveillance camera suspected to be involved in graffiti vandalism of SEAC property.<\/p><\/div>\n

The entire incident lasted approximately five minutes. After vandalizing SEAC property and nearby CTA property, two individuals walked east along Foster Avenue while the other two headed south down the alley.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an aggravating and disturbing incident,\u201d said Peter Porr, Executive Director and founder of SEAC. \u201cWe make a point to be a good neighbor and maintain our property in a way that adds value and a positive aesthetic to the neighborhood. These vandals have no regard for their surroundings and give no thought to the cost involved in rectifying their damage. Several people driving by or within sight of them could see what was happening. I wish passersby would take the time to call 911 when they see something like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

SEAC has notified the alderperson for the area, the CTA, and the Chicago Police Department regarding the incident.<\/p>\n

With the help of the Leni Mana-Hoppenworth\u2019s office the city\u2019s graffiti blasters were out on Tuesday morning to remove the vandalism. \u201cThis is a welcome service,\u201d says Porr \u201cBut we still need to vigilant. Graffiti has a serious negative effect on how our community is perceived and how residents feel about their neighborhood.<\/p>\n

Let’s Talk About This<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is a learning opportunity. We urge our parents, teachers and friends to discuss this matter with our students to be sure that they understand this is not a victimless crime and should not be tolerated.<\/p>\n

\u201cArt is great. Damaging someone\u2019s property is not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that young people don\u2019t respond to lectures, they respond to stories of fairness, consequences they can picture, and chances to express their own views. Engage them in a conversation on this topic.\u00a0 Be calm. Talk about how we take care of our neighborhood. Not that this is dangerous and terrible.<\/p>\n

Invite their opinions. Kids love being asked what they<\/em> think.<\/h5>\n

Questions that spark good discussion:<\/p>\n