In response to the article regarding vandalism (Simi Valley Acorn , Jan. 22), something overlooked was that not all tagging is done merely for the purpose of conflict or notoriety.

In some instances it serves the purpose of directing drug buyers to a discreet, specified location where dealers can wait for transactions to take place, in places they have no obligations to respect because they do not pay rents or mortgages in these chosen locations—you do.

In apartment complexes and shopping areas that have aroundthe-back parking, tagging that appears where it can be viewed from a vehicle on the main street should be regarded as a possible landmark for drug buyers. Ignoring it for any amount of time may bring more vandalism, like thefts and break-ins.

And when buyers feel secure at a location, they may wind up probing the area for valuables left in cars or in nearby properties.

In my situation, after tagging appeared on an entrance wall to our lot, tenants witnessed unfamiliar cars with occupants waiting in our back lot. Eventually we realized they were doing drug deals.

When graffiti was removed, more graffiti would appear, along with more drug traffic. Cars were broken into, and people were invasively walking around on the premises.

As a tenant, you were watched by loitering groups when you got in or out of your car, and you would be watched taking out the trash.

When transactions took place, the presence of any children were ignored by these people. One tenant was threatened as he walked up to his car. Police were called, but by then offenders would drive away, showing up later in alternative vehicles. We had to learn how to report such things.

The graffiti was carelessly scribbled, but the location was what mattered more. Reporting promptly to police is necessary, or photograph the graffiti if you need to remove it. The recorded info can be a learning aid for the department on finding these locations faster without incidents occurring between property owners and dealers.

Drug dealers and buyers shouldn’t be confronted by any means for obvious reasons; allow them to assume that they have been overlooked.

Try to be thorough and discreet when obtaining info because failing to take down license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions can automatically grant offenders anonymity.
Stefanie Novinski
Simi Valley