Dear Sir,
The letter by Daniel H. Houck in last week’s edition is written with such excellence and perspective, that without a doubt it should be translated verbatim and submitted to other local well-read newspapers so that both expat and Mexican communities have the opportunity to be on the same page.
A translated copy should also be submitted to the police chief, the mayor and the office of the Ministerio Publico.
As a resident of Chapala in a Mexican neighborhood, my lovely home has been defaced on two occasions in recent months, both times within the same week. I immediately took detailed photos and submitted a file to the police station. I was told that “Lil Joker” (the signed perpetrator) would be picked up in the next few days and I would be called in to decide what to do with him. That call never came.
Within hours, my graffiti was painted out and I have since installed sensor lights.
In order to enlighten our police officers, I circumvented my immediate neighborhood taking photos of all “signatures” on buildings and houses – in essence, to make the job easier to spot offenders. Regrettably, with that submitted file, there has been no action taken and defacement continues.
In his letter, Daniel Houck tells us that volunteers are ready to lend “hard-won expertise” but unfortunately he does not tell us how that call should be made and to whom. This information would be paramount to any forthcoming calls and alignment of lay troopers.
Carole Stern, Chapala
If you email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Daniel Houck will get in touch with you.