An elderly Fife couple say they are “horrified” after having the word “peado” scrawled on their garden wall.
Pensioners Derek and Janice Kirk, from Auchtertool, near Kirkcaldy, found the word spray-painted in large letters on their wall on Wednesday morning.
The couple claim this is the latest in a series of vandalism incidents at their home.
They believe they are being targeted after reporting an alleged theft in their area to police.
Couple ‘horrified’ at graffiti on garden wall
Janice, 70, said: “I was horrified when I found out the word ‘peado’ had been painted on our garden wall.
“I reported it to the police straight away.
“It was only when the postman informed me the wall had been painted that I knew there was anything there.
“It’s shocking, that’s right outside our home, for everyone to see.
“This is the latest in a line of incidents.
“My husband and I have been targeted for the best part of seven years, it’s extremely upsetting.
“We need to get it out there that this has happened – it can’t go on like this, it has to stop.”
Derek told The Courier: “We’ve had our car vandalised, paint thrown on windows, and windows smashed in.
“We believe a criminal gang are behind the attacks.
“We’re around £10,000 out of pocket for all the damage in total.
“Hopefully, the police can do something; this is our last hope coming to the paper.”
Derek added: “People have been going by taking pictures of the wall from the road, it’s awful.
“I’m 68 and my wife is 70, we’re pensioners, this is the last thing we want, it’s horrible.
“How would you like to be called a paedophile?”
Police Scotland has confirmed it is investigating the incident.
A spokesperson said: “Around 2.40pm on Wednesday, we received a report of vandalism to a property in the area of Main Street, Auchtertool.
“Inquiries are at an early stage.”
Conversation