Police are appealing for witnesses following a spate of vandalism within Dalkeith and Mayfield.
Between Saturday 5th and Thursday 10th March officers have received numerous reports of buildings, street signs, walls and even vehicles being covered in graffiti.
Those responsible have marked these items with offensive comments directed at police, government and local authorities, with many also being tagged with the anarchy symbol.
During this series of offences, Dalkeith Palace within Dalkeith Country Park has been targeted along with the Newbattle Health Centre and a wall adjacent to Easthouses Road, Mayfield.
A Midlothian Council van was also covered in graffiti while it was parked in Oak Place, while other signage within Mayfield Park has sustained similar damage.
Inquiries to identify the suspects are continuing and anyone with information that can assist police with their investigation should come forward.
Inspector Michelle Ritchie from Dalkeith Police Station said: “These reckless and completely brazen acts of vandalism have resulted in significant damage to public buildings and we are carrying out local enquiries to identify whoever is responsible.
“The cost of the damage is mounting, and in particular the expense associated with cleaning the graffiti at Dalkeith Palace is expected to be considerable, due to the specialist nature of cleaning required for the stonework.
“Such acts of destruction will not be tolerated and I would ask anyone with information that can help us with our ongoing inquiries is asked to contact police on 101.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
