News 12 at 11 o'clock, December 4, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. ---There are grafitti markings, all over the side of at least three local businesses in North Augusta and now authorities are looking into possible gang activity. Gang symbols and phrases were plastered all over the Goodwill Industries but authorities say it is too soon to know if a real gang is responsible.

The vandalism is happening in the middle of the night and it could be vandals - posing as gang members simply wanting attention, according to Lt. Tim Pearson and that's why the department is hesistant to call it "gang activity" just yet.

Lt. Tim Pearson and the North Augusta Public Safety Department has received several phone calls on the vandalism. In addition to the Goodwill Industries, Taco Bell and KFC Restaurants were hit. While it could be a group of deliquents, the markings are still on the wall at the Goodwill Industries but - could be removed in the next few days and that's the message to businesses that may be targeted:

Lt. Pearson also says there's nothing to indicate these are "real" gangs and other than defacing property. None of thier recent crimes have been gang related.

There are new gang laws in South Carolina - which include heavy fines, jail time and if caught in most cases the culprits have to clean it up.