Graffiti damage exceeds $1,000 at B&G Club

An expansive amount of graffiti sprayed on the exterior of the Fallbrook (Ingold) Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County, which included defacing a prominent statue figure on the north entrance, is reported to have caused damage exceeding $1,000. The crime was committed the weekend of January 19-20.

“This is the worst case I’ve seen in the six years I’ve been here,” said Executive Director Abe Oliveras. “Compared to this, it’s been very minor in the past.”

Oliveras said although he utilized staff members and volunteers to paint over the damage, the cost factor was still significant. Law enforcement sources said the graffiti contained graphic and crude images.

“We made sure it was removed immediately,” Oliveras said.

Oliveras went on to say the club is looking into purchasing and installing surveillance cameras for the compound for increased security.

“I think that may have to be done,” Oliveras said.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Theresa Adams-Hydar said the investigation into the incident continues, but law enforcement officers feel the crime may have been committed by youth who have been approached in the past in regards to trespassing in the area.

“We are pretty certain this is a case of kids acting out after a contact by officers,” Adams-Hydar said.

The monetary amount of damage caused due to the crime makes it a felony; therefore, anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s) could be eligible for up to $1,000 in reward money from Crime Stoppers.

Those with information can call the Sheriff’s Department at (760) 451-3100 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS. Information can be provided on an anonymous basis.

Incidences of graffiti are classified in the general category of vandalism. In the Fallbrook command area in 2007, 276 cases of vandalism were reported.*

*Source: ARJIS/CASS, Sheriff’s Dept. Crime Analysis Unit