T.A.G., which stands for Take Away Graffiti, will concentrate on certain neighborhoods where officials believe criminals are leaving their mark through graffiti, RTV6's Julie Pursley reported.
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi worked alongside people on probation in neighborhoods near the 3100 block of West Michigan Road Wednesday to paint over the graffiti. Brizzi said the graffiti has been linked to three gangs trying to mark their turf.
"It's intimidating to the neighbors, and an indication to others to come in and prey upon this neighborhood, so we're going to do everything we can to send a message that this neighborhood is off-limits, and we'll continue to come back in and be aggressive about cleaning it up," Brizzi said.
Randee Harper, who's lived on the west side for the past 12 years, said taggers started targeting his neighborhood a few months ago.
"You know, I try to take care of my place ... it's just respect, and they're not showing it," homeowner Randee Harper said.Four more T.A.G. events will be held this summer, concentrating on the south- and east-side neighborhoods, and downtown, Pursley reported.
"If they're caught, they'll be prosecuted, whether they're juveniles or adults," Brizzi said.