Even the police are not immune from a rise in Denman Island graffiti.
The Comox Valley RCMP are investigating an incident of mischief that was reported June 14 at 6 a.m.
A fully marked RCMP vehicle had been left at the ferry terminal connecting Denman Island to Buckley Bay. This emergency vehicle is sometimes parked at this location to provide a speedier response to calls for service on Denman.
In the early-morning hours of June 14, somebody vandalized the vehicle, immobilizing it by slashing all four tires. The entire vehicle was spray-painted with profanity and anti-police language. The initial estimate of the damage done is in the thousands of dollars. This senseless act has also temporarily hampered the RCMP's efforts to better serve the residents of Denman Island, Const. Nicole Hall noted in a news release.
The Comox Valley RCMP's Rural Section has spoken with dozens of people, most of them residents of Denman Island. Many are disgusted and outraged at this act of vandalism and disrespect, Hall added.
"There have also been many residents apologizing, feeling that this could be seen as a poor reflection of the island's people. The RCMP realize this is not the case and appreciate any assistance identifying those individuals responsible," she said.
One woman posted a letter of support at the Denman General Store. While driving her teenagers to the terminal to catch the school bus that morning, her children saw the vandalism, Hall said. "They were deeply embarrassed by what someone had done and wanted to attempt to clean the vehicle for the police."
Further investigation has also yielded some information regarding a recent problem with graffiti around the island, with damage being done at various locations over the past month, the RCMP revealed.
Anyone with information regarding this or any other crimes is asked to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.bccrimestoppers.com.