Very sad to see/learn about this. :( I encourage the Patch to remove these photos as soon as you can. Gang experts will tell you that this is "free adverstisement" for future "taggers." They like the idea of media coverage for their "artwork." If anyone has seen anyone doing this type of graffiti (in the community) they should report it to the authorities immediately.

Kathy:
What I've read about preventing future instances is that the graffiti should be removed promptly and the area should be watched. It sounds like the village is working on that.
About the picture: the press has an obligation to inform the public -- with all the tools available -- so that they can be aware of what’s happening and be alert for it. The crime is already done and the Greendale community should know about it, including what it looks like. Seeing the scrawl on the building is rather shocking, especially knowing the care the community is investing in the building, but I hope that's helpful in informing people of the problem. Thanks for your comment.

Hi Amy- While I agree that it is important for residents to be informed of matters that take place in our community there are also times when the media does refrain from certain types of reporting (ie. photos.) My experience in this area comes from research and graduate coursework in this area of study. I encourage you to follow up with someone from the field to gain their perspective regarding posting these photos. A suggested starting point would be speaking with Greendale resident, John Bowen. He worked directly with the Milwaukee Gangs Unit and was also one of my instructors. The research that has been done in this area shows that sharing this type of media may likely lead to more incidents which I'm sure no residents want to experience. Thanks for your consideration. ~Kathy

I would like to see security camera installed on the building.

Too bad this happened. I hate to think of our kids doing this, but I suppose it's possible. Or did some outsider get into the "bubble"? I agree there should be a security camera. Also heard that some foreclosed homes have gotten broken into. It's to obvious when houses are left empty!! Hope they catch whoever did the graffiti & that it doesn't happen anyplace else.

What an awful looking tag. I'd be embarrassed with my work and volunteering to help erase it from memory if I did this.

OK - time to remove the pictures. i agree with Kathy. if those in the community haven't seen them by now on the Patch or in person, they won't - or don't care. and - if our judicial system didn't simply slap the hands of taggers, we wouldn't have this problem. i understand you have to catch them first. i'm talking about what to do to them IF you catch them. but no one wants to step forward and take a hard stance. so - you have THIS to deal with.