Police hunt for masked man painting pillar boxes gold
POLICE are investigating after several postboxes were painted gold by a masked man in waterproofs.
Officers say the majority of incidents took place in the Temple Hill area of Dartford, Kent, in the past few weeks.
Most of the boxes were sprayed gold, but a couple have been painted black and white while another was topped off with knitted hearts in the run up to Valentine’s Day.
Police have issued a picture of the man they wish to speak to in connection with the criminal damage and are appealing for anyone with private CCTV footage of the perpetrator to come forward. In the photograph released to the public he is wearing a blue jacket, a white surgical face mask and is carrying a holdall, presumably to store his spray cans.
Inspector Siobhan Rowe, of the Dartford Community Safety Unit, said: “Our officers have been working closely with the Royal Mail after several postboxes were covered in paint. We are now issuing an image of a person who may be able to assist with our inquiries.
“While their face is concealed, they are wearing distinctive clothing and we are hoping somebody recognises them and contacts us.” A Royal Mail postbox stands within half a mile of 98 per cent of the UK population. Those targeted by the mystery painter in Kent have appeared all over the area, outside shops, pubs and people’s homes.
Some pillar boxes are legitimately painted gold in honour of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “We have been engaging with Kent Police on this matter and are supporting their investigation.