MILLICENT police are on the hunt for graffiti vandals responsible for a spate of attacks on private residences and businesses over the last month.
Police have called for public assistance after a number of properties have been defaced, including a church, a service station and a Telstra public payphone.
Graffiti has also appeared on walls and fences at the rear of the Millicent and District Community Club.
Over the weekend, a Millicent man was reported after he was allegedly seen “tagging” a fence on the corner of Holzgrefe Street and Williams Road.
Police were called to the location just before 9pm on Friday after receiving reports the man was spray painting a fence.
The 34-year-old man was located with a backpack and spray cans.
He will appear in court at a later date.
Millicent police officer in charge Senior Sergeant First Class Rick Errington said police have responded to “three to four graffiti incidents” over the last month.
“We’re exploring avenues as to whether these incidents are linked, however we are unsure if they are at this stage,” Snr Sgt Errington said.
“Any witnesses who have information about the graffiti around town or at the old Pines servo on Mount Gambier Road are asked to come forward.
“If people see suspicious behaviour they can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Resident Jodie Job, who lives near Holzgrefe Street, branded the vandalism as “absolutely disgusting.”
“There have been graffiti attacks in this area so many times, it’s an eyesore,” she said.
Ms Job said she was worried about youths seeing the graffiti and believing it is something “they can get away with.”
“If the younger generation see this, they think it is okay for them to do it on other walls and businesses,” she said.
“They have sprayed the nearby phone box as well as houses and the Millicent Community Church.
“My daughter comes to me and asks what the police can do about it.”
Ms Job said there should be more CCTV cameras in the area.
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll strongly condemned the spate of graffiti, saying “our town is better than this.”
He said removing graffiti was a burden on business owners and residents due to the cost and labour required.
“If the council staff are not cleaning up the graffiti, it is up to the property owners to do it,” Mr Noll said.
“We as a council certainly do not tolerate it.”
Earlier this year, unknown vandals targeted the SA Water Depot on Mount Gambier Road and the adjoining galvanised fence it shares with St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School.
Walls, fences and signs in Davenport and Stuckey street were also defaced in May.
