Group Works To Wipe Out Gang Graffiti

INDIANAPOLIS -- About 100 volunteers spent part of their Saturday cleaning up graffiti in an effort to show gang members that they are not welcome in the community.

Gang members have made their mark in a number of ways in several crime-ridden Indianapolis neighborhoods, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported.

Residents are virtually powerless against the criminals, but they can do something about the marks they behind.

"According to the police, this is gang activity," said Claudio Trincado of the Department of Metropolitan Development as he looked at the markings. "We want to make sure we show them this is the neighborhood's territory."

Mayor Bart Peterson's Commission of Latino Affairs is working with many groups, business owners and residents. Graffiti isn't the group's only target. They are also taking down illegal and unsightly signs and cleaning up trash.

"Nobody pays me to do this. I love to do it," said business owner Karla Reyes. "If I could do this every day, I'd be the happiest girl alive."

The program is only in its second year, but progress has already been significant, Spencer reported. There has been less trash to pick up this year, and the graffiti is not as prevalent as it was the first year.

Volunteers hope the gang members will eventually give up. Anyone who would like to be a part of the project can call 317-327-5545.