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Graffiti tags in Faversham 'not linked county lines gangs'

A series of graffiti tags daubed across Faversham are not believed to be linked to county lines gangs.

Police and Swale Borough Council (SBC) are investigating vandalism at more than 30 locations across the town.

But officers have ruled out the tags are related to any drugs gangs operating in the county after suggestions the designs are similar to ones in Canterbury.

The car park next to the Arden Theatre
The car park next to the Arden Theatre

Swale council says it will not tolerate the "mindless vandalism" and has condemned the acts as it continues with a lengthy clean up operation.

The authority initially appealed via its social media channels after environment wardens were sent to clean up between 30 and 40 graffiti tags which appeared overnight last Wednesday.

Both SBC and the police are appealing for information to track the culprits down and have not identified any suspects or made any arrests so far.

Sgt Tim Hill, from the Swale Community Safety Unit at Kent Police, says officers are aware of "a number of graffiti tags" appearing across Faversham.

He added: "At present no suspects have been identified however officers remain in constant liaison about neighbourhood issues with SBC, which has arranged for the graffiti to be removed.

"There is no evidence to suggest this is linked to county lines activity."

More than 30 graffiti tags were found daubed across several locations in Faversham
More than 30 graffiti tags were found daubed across several locations in Faversham

An SBC spokesman said: "Our environment wardens initially acted the day that the graffiti was reported and worked jointly with Faversham Town Council to get some covered.

"We have also liaised with other building owners on a clean-up plan, and some have chosen to clean it up themselves.

"The team are planning to visit Faversham this week to get the rest cleaned off."

The cost of the clean up is difficult to calculate as it depends on the time taken to clear, the number of officers and the equipment used, according to the council.

But a spokesman confirmed incidents like the Faversham one incur extra costs than the £3,000 budget for planned monthly clean ups.

Anyone with information is urged to call the council on 01795 417850, the police on 01795 419119, or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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