Police to studyCCTV in graffiti culprits search

The commercial premises in Portadown town centre were targeted between the evening of Friday and the morning of Saturday.

DUP councillor Darryn Causby described it as a “disgraceful act” which was “completely senseless”.

He added, “Sometime over the weekend someone or some people decided that they would set about spraying graffiti all over Portadown town centre and some of its side streets.

“This disgraceful act is completely senseless and our business community have been left to clean up the mess.

“Most noticeable was the ‘tagging’ at Boots and the Halifax in the centre of the town. Our businesses have worked hard to help rebuild the economy and the image of Portadown and this vandalism does nothing to advance that agenda.”

He urged the PSNI “to trawl through every minute of CCTV to ensure this vandal is caught” and appealed to those who had seen anyone engaging in the vandalism to report it to police.

Inspector Duncan McBain said, “Enquiries are ongoing and CCTV from various sources, including the town centre, will form part of the investigation.”

One man, writing on the Portadown Times Facebook page, said the photo (above) was taken after two hours of trying to remove the graffiti.

A council spokesperson said the council has powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act to require removal of graffiti.

She added, “As a first step council will work with property owners who are affected before consideration will be given to implementing any enforcement actions.”

Anyone with information on the damage is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 495 of 04/06/16. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.