A spate of graffiti in Auchterarder has been condemned, with the latest incident at the town’s school branded “reprehensible”.
Following on from offensive scrawlings appearing a short distance away in Ruthven Street, the Community School of Auchterarder has once again been used as a canvas for vandals.
This month’s incident is the latest in a string of attacks on the school.
A wooden hut in the school grounds was damaged last year, just weeks after vandals had ripped the wooden tables and benches from the ground and left broken bottles in the courtyard.
The local authority had pledged to improve the CCTV facilities around the 3-18 campus, in a bid to deter troublemakers.
Strathallan councillor Tom Gray has slated the attack and hopes the vandals are brought to justice.
He said: “‘Graffiti is always reprehensible and there is no place for destructive behaviour.
“I am very disappointed and there needs to be research done into the incident and its cause.
“Children generally know how to behave and measures need to be taken to engage youngsters in something more productive.”
The school is not the first to be targeted by vandals recently, with Alyth’s windows being smashed a few weeks ago, thugs were also spotted throwing stones and milkshakes at Dunbarney in Bridge of Earn in June and louts slashed the football nets at Comrie Primary at the end of May.
Perth and Kinross Council have said they are aware of the issue and have asked anyone who can help with enquiries to contact the police.
A local authority spokesperson said: “We are aware of the graffiti at the school. The matter has been reported to Police Scotland and we will continue to work with them to share any evidence and support any investigation.
“We would encourage anyone in the local community with relevant information about this vandalism to report it directly to the police.”
A police spokesperson said: “Overnight on July 8, graffiti was spray painted on walls at The Community School of Auchterarder.
“Recently, offensive graffiti was also found in the underpass at Ruthven Street.
“Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer.”
Information can be given by calling 101 and quoting the crime reference number CR/18148/19.
Details can also be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
