Andrew Carnegie statue vandalised.

Crime: Police launch investigation after monument of philanthropist ‘tagged’

Vandals have attacked the Andrew Carnegie statue in Dunfermline’s Glen.

The incident, dubbed a “mindless act” by police, saw the statue tagged with spray-paint graffiti.

Police have now launched an investigation into the vandalism, which happened at some point on Thursday March 29.

City of Dunfermline committee convener Helen Law believed this was the work of youngsters causing trouble rather than a targeted attack on the global philanthropist who gifted Pittencrieff Park to the town.

“There has been a bit of an issue with young folk around the Glen, sometimes ‘enjoying’ themselves and sometimes going too far,” she said.

She added she was “as certain as I can be” that this has been young folk up to mischief rather than an attack on Carnegie, who gifted so much, including thousands of public libraries.

She was disappointed vandals had struck at the statue, lying in the heart of one of Carnegie’s greatest legacies to the town.

“The park is looking wonderful, the spring bulbs are coming out.

“We want people to enjoy it, not to destroy it.

“It is such a shame when a few folk get a bit carried away with themselves,” she added.

Inspector Ian Flynn said: “This is a mindless act of damage that will require Fife Council to attend and clean up at the taxpayers’ expense.”

Mark McCall, service manager for safer communities at Fife Council, said graffiti was a serious crime which impacts on all members of the community.

He added the removal of graffiti was costly to the local authority.

“We aim to clean graffiti as soon as possible after it is reported to us, particularly if it is offensive,” he added.

Police appealed for anyone with information which can help inquiries, or who may have seen the incident take place, to come forward.

Those with information can contact Dunfermline police station on 101 and quote incident number 2230 of March 29.

Mr McCall added the council relied on the public coming forward and reporting graffiti.

Incidents can be reported at fifedirect. org.uk or on 03451 550022.

This is a mindless act of damage that will require Fife Council to attend and clean up at the taxpayers’ expense. IAN FLYNN

Picture: David Wardle. It is believed youngsters damaged the statue in Pittencrieff Park.