Police hunt for Brixham vandals

Officers believe they may be pretending to be out exercising

Police are appealing for help to catch graffiti vandals who have been defacing a Devon town during the coronavirus lockdown.

Targets in Brixham include the grounds and hall at St Mary’s Church, Battery Gardens, road signs and coastal paths.

Police believe there is more than one person or group involved who may be pretending to be out exercising.

One person was seen defacing a noticeboard in St Mary’s Park on Wednesday morning.

The masked vandal ran off after being disturbed by dog-walkers.

In a separate incident, two young men were photographed apparently defacing an area of Battery Gardens.

A police spokesperson said several names had been put forward to identify the offenders.

There have been reports of similar graffiti in the nearby village of Churston Ferrers and on the coast path between Paignton and Brixham from Elberry Cove to Churston Cove.

Some residents have been voluntarily cleaning off the marks around the town.

Brixham councillor Mike Morey urged people to get in touch with the police with information.

He said: “It’s a crying shame. We can well do without that, especially at this time.”

Brixham Police said in a statement: “We live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and it is being ruined by these vandals. 

“Eventually we are going to come out of lockdown and want tourists and visitors to come to our beautiful town. 

“When they do, they will see this mindless vandalism rather than the picture postcard like seaside town. 

“I hope you are all as disgusted by this behaviour as we are. We need to catch these people in the act or receive information as to their identities. 

“Please can people be alert and, if they see anything suspicious, contact the Police either via 999 or the 101 telephone services or via the 101 email facility. 

“Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”