New marina vandalized with graffiti

KELOWNA – The new downtown marina has been scarred by graffiti only weeks after the ribbon was cut to celebrate its completion.

Police want to know who did it.

The unknown man tagging the marina last month was caught on video surveillance causing damage to two pilings and four benches, using a black marker to complete the deed. He walked onto the wharf with a woman.

The markings seem to be a stylized, personal signature, also known as a "tag". Attempts to remove the tag have since been made, obscuring the image before photographs could be taken.

"Graffiti such as tagging causes tens of thousands of dollars in damage each year as it requires maintenance crews to clean the tag or paint over it," Kelowna RCMP Const. Kris Clark stated in a press release. "Taggers caught creating unwanted graffiti could face a potential charge of mischief which is a criminal offence."

Anyone with any information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP, Const. Gauthier at 250-762-3300. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.