Police appeal after graffiti causes community upset

Police in Ulverston are appealing for information to help track down a graffiti artist who has caused a spate of damage in the town which has upset the community. An investigation has been launched after a spate of graffiti has damaged a series of garage doors, walls, buildings; windows grit boxes, lampposts and, more recently, cars.

Officers believe one individual is responsible for the graffiti ‘tag’ which comprises of
the letters, ‘TRIX’. The most recent spate of damage occurred overnight on Wednesday 18th July into Thursday 19th July when ten separate incidents of damage were reported after the same graffiti appeared on residents’ property. Some victims have been targeted more than once.

PC Paul Kelly from Ulverston police is investigating. He said: “The person who is responsible for this mindless damage may be oblivious to the amount of distress that this is causing members of the local community.

“Painting graffiti causes damage and it is a criminal offence.We believe that one person is responsible for this ‘tag’ and I’m appealing to members of the community to help us track this person down. Please be vigilant – if you see somebody who looks as though they are spraying graffiti in your neighbourhood then report it so that we can investigate. “We have been posting photographs of the damage that has been caused on our local Twitter accounts in the hope that someone will recognise the ‘tag’ and come forward with information that could lead us to the perpetrator.

“As well as causing damage to lampposts and random walls in the town, the offender is now targeting charities, grade 2 listed buildings and has even sprayed cars.” To educate young people and help provide a longer term solution to the issue, PCSOs Janine Wade and Paul Harris from Ulverston are also working to arrange a youth art workshop in the town in a bid to provide young people with an appropriate outlet to display their skills.

PC Kelly continues: “We are working with the local school and PCSOs are currently trying to secure the help of local businesses who could donate wall space which can be painted. This would be in a more controlled environment with the tools and the support needed to ensure graffiti is used in a productive, not criminal way, which can
benefit the community.

“Our concerns about this spate of damage are increasing because graffiti is starting to be sprayed onto cars and has been sprayed onto a grade two listed building which means the cost of repairs are increasing.

“The probation service is also helping us to tackle the problem and ease the strain on the community by getting people who are serving a community service order involved
in repairing the damage caused to charitable or religious organisations.”