AssetID: 55204792
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Caught on CCTV: Despicable graffiti artist thought to be behind cemetery desecration
Caption: WORDS BYLINE: Millie Bowles CCTV shows a vandal spraying obscene graffiti on a cricket club - and bosses believe it is the same lout who desecrated a nearby cemetery. Earlier this month, KentOnline revealed how disgusting tags had been daubed on several graves at Willesborough Cemetery in Ashford, upsetting grieving relatives. Now security camera footage from the local cricket club captures a hooded individual, dressed all in black, spraying similar phallic shapes on the wall. Wall-mounted ashtrays were also torn down and thousands of pounds of damage caused in total. Willesborough Cricket Club in Ashford has been targeted several times since July - and bosses think the same person is responsible each time. A spokesman for told KentOnline the suspect struck every evening between 6.30pm and 8.30pm for a period of around a week from September 19. “Each visit resulted in some damage, mainly to wall-mounted ashtrays, with the graffiti occurring on the evening of September 23,” they said. “The suspect has returned sporadically since, most recently on October 16, when they ripped a wall-mounted ashtray off the wall, which they previously damaged with a metal pipe. “I think it is clear that this individual is out most evenings and is from the Willesborough area, so someone must know who they are. They wear the same clothing every time.” The damage is expected to cost the club about £2,000. The spokesman added: “We may have to fully repaint the window shutters as a graffiti remover is likely to damage the soft paint, which may increase the costs significantly. “The club and its members are deeply frustrated by the continuous damage that is being caused by this individual. “The remedial costs for removing all of the offensive graffiti and replacing the three wall-mounted ashtrays will be significant, and this reduces funds which should be used for future improvements to our community cricket facility. “It is also very concerning that this individual continues to trespass and cause damage to the cricket club.” The graffiti at the cemetery was spotted by horrified mourners on October 10. Visitors said the vile writing - including the words ‘Haha you died’ and phallic drawings - ruined the tranquillity of the burial ground. Tall fencing has now been erected around the resting place. The incidents at the cricket club are being investigated by police. Ashford Borough Council, which runs the cemetery, is looking into the damage done there. A police spokesman confirmed officers received a report on Friday, September 26, of criminal damage to property and buildings at the cricket club. Enquiries, including reviewing CCTV, are ongoing, and anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/168247/25. An Ashford Borough Council spokesperson said: “We understand how important Willesborough Cemetery is to the local community and are saddened by the recent incidents of graffiti and minor damage. “Fencing has been installed as a permanent security measure to help protect the site. “Our contractor has already begun cleaning work, and a specialist stonemason will carry out careful restoration of affected memorials. “The works are ongoing, and we thank residents for their patience and support while this work continues.” KentOnline has asked police if they are linking the incidents at the cemetery and the cricket club.
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