Appeal for information after graffiti plague hits
Calls for action have been made with a “tidal wave” of graffiti continuing to blight East Kilbride.
The vandalism has been appearing mainly around Calderwood, St Leonards and the town centre, with the culprit yet to be caught.
An appeal was made by police in December when the vandal struck, but yet more has appeared recently.
Councillor Joe Fagan and East Kilbride’s community sergeant are now issuing a fresh appeal for the public to get in touch.
But Councillor Fagan has also criticised cuts to ground staff at South Lanarkshire Council, which he believes is “hampering” their ability to get to grips with clearing up the mess.
He told the News: “I have been inundated with complaints about graffiti, mainly in St Leonards and the town centre areas.
“It seems that a small minority are responsible for a tidal wave of graffiti in the community. The latest wave has caused real anger. It’s getting out of hand.
“Thoughtless graffiti has real consequences. It makes people feel less safe and like their community is on the slide.
“That’s not good for anyone, especially not local businesses working to get customers back after the pandemic.
“So many of the services we rely on to keep East Kilbride clean and safe have been cut to the bone.
“The evidence of decline is all around us. After a decade of cuts, there are 100 fewer grounds workers out there on the frontline.
“When council workers have to drop what they are doing to deal with graffiti, it means they are being taken away from other jobs that are important to the community.
“The town is battling decline on too many fronts without having to worry about this.
“I am appealing to the community to report instances of graffiti and to stand united against the cuts hampering the council’s response. I have passed photographs of the latest attacks to council officials and the police in the hope that action can be taken to end this latest wave of graffiti.”
Sergeant Scott Anderson said: “We are aware of the ongoing issue with regards to graffiti and enquiries are ongoing to identify a suspect.
“Due to the nature of the crime and the circumstances, we are requesting the assistance of the public to provide information that may lead to the identity of the person responsible.
“Graffiti can have a major impact on the local community and we understand the anger displayed by members of the public.
“If you have any information please do not hesitate to contact police by dialling 101 or visiting East Kilbride Police Office.”
Alistair McKinnon, head of facilities waste and grounds services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “We are aware of the situation and have a dedicated crew to work on addressing graffiti.
“The team have already been in East Kilbride town centre and St Leonards this week will be working to remove all graffiti on council property as soon as possible.”