TWO teenagers were arrested by police after vandalising the newly reopened Beechworth skate park over the weekend.
Leading Senior Constable Ross Martin of Beechworth police said between 10pm and 12am last Friday night, two boys gained access to a nearby shipping container on Harper Avenue and used spray paint to graffiti the skate park.
An anti-Semitic slogan was written as part of the vandalism, calling for violence against Jewish people, along with a love heart and the word “cupkake(sic)”.
Led Sen Const Martin said the boys intended to write the slogan more for shock effect, without knowing the meaning or ramifications of the anti-Semitic sentiment.
CCTV footage of the incident was handed to police, with officers arresting the two youths on Monday.
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Led Sen Const Martin said one of the boys was charged with criminal damage and a range of other offences and would face children’s court at a future date, while the second offender would be given a caution.
The skate park had only just reopened last week after artist Chris Henderson painted a mural inside the skate bowl.
Indigo Shire Council CEO Trevor Ierino issued a statement to Facebook and said the vandalism was unacceptable and did not represent the values of the community.
“We take this incident extremely seriously, particularly given the hateful nature of some of the graffiti,” he said.
“The damage means we must now redirect ratepayer funds and resources to clean and repaint the facility, resources that could be used for other community improvements.
“Hate has no place here and we will not tolerate vandalism that damages community property and targets any group with discrimination.”
Led Sen Const Martin said an increase in graffiti had been observed in the local area in recent weeks, which local police would crack down on.
“Offenders will be processed and sent to court,” he said.
