Hunt for covid graffiti attacker: images released

By Barrie Hudson - 23 November 2020

Crime

Swindon Police have released a CCTV image of a man in relation to graffiti scribbled on buildings around Swindon. 

An image showing an example of the graffiti has also been released.



The force says it is aware of about 35 'tags' made with a marker pen on buildings and bus stops on Regent Street and Theatre Square as well as in Old Town in the past week.   
 
They are primarily anti-government sentiments around Covid. 



PC Paul Bezzant from the Neighbourhood Policing Team said:  "The damage caused by this graffiti - which is blatant criminal damage - causes no end of issues. It costs our local council time and public money to clean it off the buildings in our town centre.


"If you recognise the man in the CCTV picture we would like to speak to about these incidents or have any information which could help us, please contact us on 101, quoting crime reference number 54200115355."



Alternatively, people can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 



Coun David Renard, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “This tagging spree is reprehensible and I would encourage any members of the public who recognise this man to get in touch with our colleagues at Wiltshire Police. 
 
"It is important we identify the person responsible so we can prosecute.


“Our StreetSmart team has removed the vast majority of the tags but we can ill afford to spend taxpayers’ money on clearing up such unsightly scrawl, some of which was daubed on the lovely mural outside the bus station.
 
"We are currently liaising with the artists to see if they can remove the tags without damaging the artwork.”

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