Police Officer 2 Vincent Mareham, during yesterday’s media briefing, said “the situation is alarming and is creating a negative effect particularly for tourists.”
He said the “Xenocide” graffiti seen on walls means “killing foreigners.”
“This will instill fear in foreigners and business investors because when they see the graffiti signs, they will think the island is not safe,” Mareham said.
He added that police are looking into those who are behind the on walls, bus stops, waiting sheds, store walls and even on parked vehicles.
He added that vandals usually operate at night hours.
“DPS cannot do this alone, we need the help of the community,” he said.
Mareham said at about 9 p.m. on Sunday, police officers received a report that three persons were spray painting the restrooms of Susupe Beach Park.
“Police arrested one of three minors caught painting graffiti in the public restroom but the two other suspects got away,” Mareham said.
Although he cannot divulge more details, Mareham said police have already some leads on who the other perpetrators.
DPS spokeswoman Lei Ogumoro said most of the vandals are young adults and minors.
“We encourage parents to monitor and ensure that they know where their children are and they know who their kids hang around with and that they’re not involved with the wrong crowd,” Ogumoro said.
She added that vandals could be convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and face jail time, severe fines and restitutions.
“Depending on the value of the damaged property, fines could range from $500 and up, and jail time can be up to 10 years,” Ogumoro said.
