Falmouth Police Serious About Catching/Punishing Tagger

FALMOUTH – Officials in Falmouth are not amused by a recent string of bicycle mile markers and directions that have been spray painted throughout town over the summer.

In addition to the mire markers, the vandals have also spray painted unofficial bike lanes and traffic safety instructions on town roads and have cleared trees and brush from town property without permission.

At last month’s selectmen’s meeting, Falmouth Police Chief Edward Dunne made it clear that he considers the tagging to be a crime which he takes very seriously, promising to arrest and prosecute any offenders.

“These are crimes, and I’m going to speak to the individual or individuals who are responsible for this and basically let them know that the Falmouth Police Department is investigating them actively and we will prosecute,” said Dunne.

Town officials say that the vandal is likely a well-meaning group or individual, but that does not negate the fact that the spray painting of public property constitutes a criminal act. According to Chief Dunne charges could include tagging, as well as wanton and malicious injury to town property, and for the destruction of the trees.

“My concern with some of these drawings, they’re very good by the way, but my concern is it’s going to give false hope, or false information to people who are using these, and it’s going to cause serious harm” said Dunne.

A visibly irritated Dunne railed off the criminal and civil penalties associated with each crime which included jail time, monetary fines, and revocation of a driver’s license.

“What I’m looking for also is the public’s help,” said Dunne, “somebody knows who’s doing this or somebody has observed something so I’m looking for the public to step up and contact the Falmouth Police Department.”

By DAVID BEATTY CapeCod.com NewsCenter

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