Graffiti Tagging Crew Arrested

On November 10, 2008 a victim reported that 30 vehicles, for which he was responsible for, had graffiti written on them. The vehicles were parked at his place of business, MCA Group Services located at 5112 Tesoro Plaza Dr. The graffiti which consisted of the letters “BGK”, the words “KARMA”, and other profanity added to a total loss of $5,400.00. The initial investigation failed to produce any leads as to who the responsible actors were. During the investigation it was learned that “BGK” which means “BAD GRAFF KIDZ” was a local tagging crew, and based on previous experiences with tagging crews the tagging (graffiti) would probably continue until captured. The letters “BGK” began being seen on several metal traffic control boxes throughout the city.

In addition reports had been made by the City Of Laredo for the same graffiti on City property located at 2210 S. Martin Tijerina Park and the other at 500 Flores the city bathrooms. Estimated for both locations was $200.00 each. On March 8, 2009 police logs indicated that a subject, a 16 yr. old male minor, had been detained for graffiti at a local Radio Shack in January 27, 2009. After reviewing the photos of the different crime scenes involving graffiti, investigators learned that the graffiti written was “BGK” which was a match with some of the other previous graffiti cases. Investigators also learned of a Churches Chicken business located at 3615 S. Hwy 83 which was also damaged with the same graffiti. Damage was estimated at $200.00.
Investigators interviewed the arrested juvenile in the Radio Shack case and were able to identify two other individuals, a fifteen and sixteen yr. old males. The subsequent investigation led to one 16yr. old juvenile being charged with 1 count of Graffiti SJF and 3 counts of Graffiti C/B. The other 16 yr. old juvenile was charged with 1 count Graffiti SJF and 1 count Graffiti C/B, and the 15 yr. old juvenile was charged with 1 count Graffiti SJF. Four cases of graffiti dating back to Nov. of 2008 were cleared with these arrests.