Berlin police this week reported they discovered several instances of vandalism, including a moderate amount of graffiti, at Stephen Decatur Park on New Year’s Eve.
That included spray paint covering all three walls of the racquetball court, as well as damage to two portable toilets at the site.
Town Administrator Laura Allen said police issued a report and were investigating the case.
Speaking during a phone interview on Monday, Police Chief Arnold Downing said there were few specifics.
“The only things we know is the racquetball courts got spray painted,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s been taken off or it’s still damaged.”
Instances of graffiti, some of which appeared to be lightly painted over as of Monday, included satanic symbols, gay slurs, lewd drawings and the phrase “don’t box us.”
Wastewater Superintendent Jamey Latchum said town employees painted over portions of the graffiti over the Christmas holidays.
“When we came in on Monday the 28th, that’s when we noticed the toilet was tipped over and the door was kicked in on one of the outhouses,” Latchum said. “Usually we don’t have a problem with that. The only time they get flipped over is from the wind and we didn’t have any wind that weekend – and the doors don’t mysteriously get pushed all the way in.”
He added that additional cleanup was required, but that public works could not paint over the entire wall because of the cold temperatures. Latchum said he was unsure what the final cost to the town would be.
In addition, the word “BIT” written in purple paint or marker – on the front of the Visitor’s Center in Berlin on Dec. 29. Downing said he was not aware of it.
“No one has called or reported anything at the Visitor’s Center,” Downing said.
Latchum noted that instances of vandalism were relatively few in Berlin. The last meaningful case occurred nearly a year ago, when more than 30 cars, several buildings and pieces of town property were tagged during a nighttime vandalism spree. Three teenagers, including one juvenile, were charged and convicted with crimes stemming from that incident.
“It seems like it’s about once a year,” Latchum said.
For his part, Downing was out of town during the latest incident, and said he only learned of it when police emailed him pictures.
He said anyone with more information should contact the Berlin Police Department at 410-641-1333.
“We’re still trying to get ahead and catch up from the holiday,” he said, “We just need people to report it so we can document everything.”
That included spray paint covering all three walls of the racquetball court, as well as damage to two portable toilets at the site.
Town Administrator Laura Allen said police issued a report and were investigating the case.
Speaking during a phone interview on Monday, Police Chief Arnold Downing said there were few specifics.
“The only things we know is the racquetball courts got spray painted,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s been taken off or it’s still damaged.”
Instances of graffiti, some of which appeared to be lightly painted over as of Monday, included satanic symbols, gay slurs, lewd drawings and the phrase “don’t box us.”
Wastewater Superintendent Jamey Latchum said town employees painted over portions of the graffiti over the Christmas holidays.
“When we came in on Monday the 28th, that’s when we noticed the toilet was tipped over and the door was kicked in on one of the outhouses,” Latchum said. “Usually we don’t have a problem with that. The only time they get flipped over is from the wind and we didn’t have any wind that weekend – and the doors don’t mysteriously get pushed all the way in.”
He added that additional cleanup was required, but that public works could not paint over the entire wall because of the cold temperatures. Latchum said he was unsure what the final cost to the town would be.
In addition, the word “BIT” written in purple paint or marker – on the front of the Visitor’s Center in Berlin on Dec. 29. Downing said he was not aware of it.
“No one has called or reported anything at the Visitor’s Center,” Downing said.
Latchum noted that instances of vandalism were relatively few in Berlin. The last meaningful case occurred nearly a year ago, when more than 30 cars, several buildings and pieces of town property were tagged during a nighttime vandalism spree. Three teenagers, including one juvenile, were charged and convicted with crimes stemming from that incident.
“It seems like it’s about once a year,” Latchum said.
For his part, Downing was out of town during the latest incident, and said he only learned of it when police emailed him pictures.
He said anyone with more information should contact the Berlin Police Department at 410-641-1333.
“We’re still trying to get ahead and catch up from the holiday,” he said, “We just need people to report it so we can document everything.”