Gaffiti "artists" use violence to protect their "work"

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This is ridiculous. In Los Angeles, people have been injured and killed when they call the police of these vandals or try to stop them from defacing property. "If we see someone calling the police, then we target them," said Mario Garcia, 20, who describes himself as a former tagger trying to become a professional artist. "You are trying to stop me from what I live, what I believe in and what I breathe? We are not going to let no one get in the way." Good for him for wanting to become an artist, but where does he get off thinking anyone has the right to deface public or private property? What is wrong with these kids--and adults--who believe there is nothing wrong with ruining the wall of a building or an aqueduct or bridge? Even the police are afraid to confront them, not knowing what weapons they may have. Cleanup crews patiently wait till the taggers leave before cleaning up after them, fearing for their lives. What do you think should be done about this problem, if anything? It seems as if gangs have taken over Los Angeles to a large degree. You couldn't pay me enough to live there.