The OPP is investigating several graffiti-related incidents in Essa Township.
Police say on Thursday July 30, a witness reported seeing two suspects spray-paint the side of the arena at the Thornton Community Centre, before fleeing in a small white car.
Officers arrived and found fresh spray-painted graffiti on the exterior walls of the outdoor hockey rink, portable toilets near the splash pad, community centre building, and various electrical boxes and light standards on Thornton Avenue.
Since that incident, the Township of Essa has covered up the graffiti, and the same areas of the outdoor hockey rink were re-vandalized overnight.
Although some may view this type of property crime as minor, mischief is a costly criminal offence for the Township, ties up police resources and negatively impacts the community as a whole.
Mischief is a serious crime and it carries a maximum of 10 years in prison upon conviction, if the property that has been damaged has a value in excess of $5,000.
The OPP is asking the public to contact police if they observe any suspicious persons or activity that may be taking place, especially during the overnight hours. Businesses with surveillance cameras that capture any illegal activity in and around their business are also asked to call the OPP, as the images and video may assist in solving these ongoing and troublesome occurrences.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers you remain anonymous, you will never have to testify and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Although some may view this type of property crime as minor, mischief is a costly criminal offense for @essatownship, ties up police resources and negatively impacts the community as a whole. Have info? Please contact #NottyOPP or @CrimeSDM to keep your community safer ^kv pic.twitter.com/wOREKk7cZl
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) August 18, 2020