Gardaí investigating incident of criminal damage in Mayo towns

Gardaí in Mayo are investigating an incident of criminal damage in Westport.

It follows community outrage over the spraying of graffiti on property, leaving local people upset.

An appeal has been issued for witnesses who may have been in the Altamount Street area between 11.30 p.m. last Monday and 1.30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

The town is well equipped with CCTV, which is currently examined.

However, anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage are asked to pass it on to the gardaí.

A statement by An Garda Siochána outlined: "Westport is well known for its long and proud tradition of being involved in the Tidy Towns.

"This is due to the strong community spirit and voluntary efforts of local residents, businesses and those working with Mayo County Council who together make our town a beautiful and welcoming place to both live and visit.

"The vandalism that occurred in the town overnight last Monday/Tuesday is therefore deeply upsetting to many.

"If you have any relevant information that can assist us with this ongoing investigation into last night's incident, please contact us at Westport Garda Station by phone, or in person. It will be treated in confidence.

"Our message is very clear: incidents of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated in Westport and will be fully investigated."

Members of Westport Tidy Towns and others involved in a clean-up operation yesterday evening.

Similar incidents have also taken place at Lough Lannagh in Castlebar and a complaint has been made to An Garda Siochana.