Graffiti prompts cause for concern

Street Crimes Interdiction Unit investigating recent rash of gang signs painted on area businesses

By KIM GILLILAND
Record Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 20, 2007

HICKORY - Police say gangs may be making their mark in Hickory.

Hickory Frame Works, on Seventeenth Street, NE, was vandalized with spray-painted symbols representing Surenos 13, a Hispanic California prison gang. Employee David Frye discovered the letters, “SUR 13” painted on a wall of the shop and on a trailer Monday as he arrived to work.

“You wouldn’t think you’d see a lot of this in a small town like Hickory,” he said. “It seems like they have no respect for peoples’ property.”

The work is likely that of young teens trying to become full-fledged gang members, said Sgt. Jeff Young, with the Hickory Police Department’s Street Crimes Interdiction Unit.

Vandals not only hit the frame shop, but also made their mark on buildings behind Gepetto’s Pizza on Springs Road. The street crime unit is also investigating other crimes that may have been committed by gang members.

Young says about 15 to 20 known gang members have been identified in the Hickory area using the Surenos 13 name. He also says about 10 to 11 other known gangs prowl the streets.

Police are trying to stop the growing trend by involving teens in community programs, Young said.

“This gives me cause for concern,” Frye said. “I’ve lived hear all my life. Even 10 years ago, you hardly ever saw graffiti like that.”

rgilliland@hickoryrecord.com | 322-4510 x5406 or 304-6913