Man arrested for graffiti in Offaly after prolonged investigation

A MAN was arrested last week in relation to several incidents of graffiti around Birr, following a prolonged investigation by the Gardaí.

A Garda spokesperson told The Midland Tribune that following an investigation by four Gardai, who began their work just before Christmas, a male was arrested, brought to Birr Garda Station, where he was detained, interviewed and charged with seven counts of criminal damage around the town.

The spokesperson said all seven incidents were obviously spray painted by the one individual.

“They first appeared a couple of months before Christmas and locals became concerned when the incidents kept on happening. People were concerned that it could get completely out of hand and badly visually damage the town.”

He said the graffiti was sprayed on the walls of businesses around the town and also on a wall of the GAA pitch.

The spokesperson said the investigation was carried out by Gardai involved in Community Policing and members of the Detective Unit.

“This was a slow-burner investigation,” he stated, “involving looking at a lot of CCTV footage, and interviewing a number of local people.”