Serial vandalism?

Constance Gillespie's building is hit again

For the third time in less than a year a person or persons unknown have vandalized the infamous and increasingly decrepit building at the heart of the business district which is owned by Constance Gillespie (4118 E. Madison St.).  Overnight, the plate-glass window in one of the structure's two vacant retail spaces was bashed in, leaving a gaping hole in the window itself and glass debris littering the shop floor.  Unlike the past incidents, which occurred in August and December last year, this act of vandalism did not result in dangerous glass shards on the sidewalk.  Nevertheless, the police officer investigating the incident requested that the fire department secure the building and prevent injury to passersby.  That mission is what prompted the arrival of SFD's Ladder Company 10 from Capitol Hill late this morning.

We are not the only observers detecting a pattern in these three crimes. The investigating police officer told us that the person who reported the incident had also speculated that this crime might be for the purpose of sending some kind of message to the building's landlord.  For several years she has failed to fully tenant the building or make repairs unless forced to do so. After the act of vandalism last summer, Gillespie was ordered by the City to fix the damage so that there would no danger to those using the sidewalk.  In this incident, the fire department's taping of the window might be sufficient to remove any danger to passersby.  In which case, the building has now become even more of an eyesore than previously.