Graffiti - Gang Tagging Symbols Lake Chapala
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Source - Guadajara Reporter July 2007 - **Remove Gang Tagging Symbols immediately - the day you see them.
Be on the lookout for these markings on your properties. Their meaning:
Row 1 (L-R): comes back quick; open with bolt cutter; uninhabited house; careful-police; house already robbed;
Row 2: will be welcomed if you speak about God; can be robbed; useless to persist; charitable house; on vacation;
Row 3: woman alone; nothing of interest; very good; don't rob; nothing here;
Row 4: beware of dog; use crow bar; only women live here; ready to be robbed. '
The Chapala Police Department has issued a document in Spanish warning Lake Chapala north shore residents of a sophisticated system of graffiti markings or tags targeting vulnerable residences shown above. The document specifically outlines the contents of a "thief's handbook" (see illustration right), some of which was mentioned by Chapala police in a meeting with Lake Chapala Society (LCS) representatives in June, 2007. For more information http://guadalajarareporter.com/news-mainmenu-82/lake-chapala-mainmenu-84/7352-lakeside-thieves-ingenious-tagging-system-targets-homes.html
Other Markings
July 2011: Town officials in San Juan Cosala are knocking on every door to check and or offer something to put in your aljibe and tenaco to prevent mosquitos. We have Dengue in San Juan Cosala and they are trying to prevent the spread. They are officials with ID and they knock on the door or ring the bell. If you don't answer they mark your house so they know where they have to return.