Blue Island hit with graffiti

December 3, 2006
By Gina Kenny Correspondent
One group of young adults has been arrested, and Blue Island police have leads on a group of juveniles suspected in separate strings of graffiti in town.

Several incidents of graffiti throughout town recently have been reported, Mayor Donald Peloquin said.

"We have had graffiti all over town, probably the last week or so," Peloquin said.

Police Chief Douglas Hoglund said Thursday there have been five or six incidents of graffiti in the past couple of weeks.

It is an unusual amount of graffiti -- "especially this time of year," Hoglund said.

The warm weather in late November might have contributed to the increase said.

"In November, there is usually not a good day for spray painting because it is cold," Hoglund said.

Ald. Carmen Bilotto (2nd) said he noticed graffiti on four large concrete blocks at Division and Des Plaines streets.

Fences, cars and buildings also have been targeted, Peloquin said.

Three males were arrested Nov. 23 in regards to graffiti on an apartment building, Hoglund said.

Cited for criminal defacement were Timothy Daly, 24, Orland Park; Justin Garcia, 18, Orland Park; and Raoul Tamayo, Blue Island, Hoglund said. Tamayo's age was not available.

The three are suspected of graffiti on other buildings and garages in the southern part of town, Hoglund said.

Police also have leads regarding graffiti on cars and buildings in the middle of town and believe a group of juveniles are responsible, he said.

Some of the graffiti involved gang signs, but Hoglund said "their involvement in a gang is probably minimal as people would perceive a gang member."