Security camera footage has captured a vandal defacing a cricket club with obscene graffiti, with reports linking the same individual to desecration at a nearby cemetery. Willesborough Cemetery in Ashford suffered vandalism earlier this month, causing distress to grieving families as gravestones were vandalized. The CCTV footage from a security camera at the cricket club revealed a hooded figure in black spray-painting similar phallic shapes on the wall, causing significant damage to property including wall-mounted ashtrays.
The Willesborough Cricket Club in Ashford has been repeatedly targeted since July, with club officials suspecting the same perpetrator behind each incident. The spokesperson for the club disclosed that the suspect carried out the acts consistently between 6.30pm and 8.30pm for about a week starting from September 19. The vandalism included damaging the ashtrays and graffiti on September 23, with sporadic returns by the suspect, such as on October 16, when further damage was inflicted.
The estimated cost of the damage to the club is around £2,000, potentially requiring a full repaint of window shutters due to the nature of the graffiti. The ongoing vandalism has frustrated the club and its members, diverting funds that could have been used for community cricket facility improvements. The continuous trespassing and damage by the individual remain a concern for the cricket club.
The offensive graffiti at the cemetery was discovered on October 10, upsetting visitors with messages like “Haha you died” and phallic drawings that disrupted the peaceful atmosphere. To safeguard the area, tall fencing has been erected around the cemetery. The police are investigating the incidents at the cricket club, while the Ashford Borough Council is addressing the damage at the cemetery.
Kent Police received a report on September 26 regarding property and building damage at the cricket club, with ongoing inquiries including reviewing CCTV footage. The council spokesperson expressed sadness over the incidents at Willesborough Cemetery and assured residents that measures are being taken to protect the site and restore affected memorials. The restoration work is in progress, with appreciation for the community’s patience and support during this process.
