Residents of Washington, Tyne and Wear, have been left angered and dismayed after a spree of mindless vandalism saw properties across the town, including symbols of the National Health Service, defaced with graffiti.
The incident, which police believe occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, targeted multiple locations in the Concord area of Washington. The vandals struck at a variety of sites, leaving a trail of damage that has been widely condemned.
What Was Targeted?
The destructive spree was not isolated to a single property. The offenders daubed graffiti on:
- Local shops and their shutters
- Several bus stops
- A prominent NHS sign
- Other street furniture and property
The defacement of the NHS sign, in particular, has been met with outrage from the local community, which holds the health service in high esteem, especially following the immense efforts of staff throughout the pandemic.
Police Response and Community Appeal
Northumbria Police have confirmed they have launched a full investigation into the criminal damage. Officers are currently conducting extensive enquiries, which include a thorough review of CCTV footage from the affected areas in a bid to identify those responsible.
A spokesperson for the force issued a statement, saying: "This is mindless criminal damage and we will do all we can to find those responsible." They urged anyone with information to come forward immediately, adding, "We would ask the public to get in touch with any information – however small you think it may be – as it could prove vital to our investigation."
Local authorities have also been notified and are expected to begin the process of cleaning and repairing the damaged properties to restore the area.
