Police are seeking the public's help with an investigation into a rash of damaging "graffiti taggings" that have taken place in several parts of B.C. in recent weeks - including at least one in Squamish.
In a statement issued on Friday (Feb. 3), Whistler RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair said the same suspect or suspects may be responsible for a number of recent taggings including one on the Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler and another at the Starbucks shop on Hunter Place in Squamish.
On Jan. 15, a suspect or suspects entered the Hunter Place Starbucks, deliberately scratched a "graffiti tag" into a washroom and left similar-looking marks using spray paint both inside and outside the building, LeClair said. Damage to the Squamish shop was estimated at $1,500.
Four days later, Whistler Blackcomb staff the reported having found four graffiti tags inside a Peak to Peak Gondola cabin, with the incident probably having occurred sometime during the day on Jan. 18. The "tag" was scratched into four separate windows, causing an estimated $10,000 damage and "potentially compromising the integrity of the glass and the safety of the cabin," LeClair said. The cabin had to be taken off the line to repair the damage, he said.
Police believe the same person or persons may be responsible for similar incidences in ski resorts or ski towns including Mount Seymour, Rossland and Nelson, LeClair said.
"We recognize that many business have become victims to other types of similar property offence; however, our focus is this particular 'graffiti tag' due to the severity of the damage," LeClair said.
The tag may be viewed by visiting www.whistler.bc.rcmp.ca. Those with information are urged to phone Whistler RCMP at (604) 932-3044 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
