STUART — Two juvenile girls have been identified in a graffiti vandalism spree that left blue spray paint on public and private property across a small Iowa town, police said Tuesday.
The Stuart Police Department said the vandalism happened during the late evening hours and affected numerous locations in the community. Police said blue spray paint was used on stop signs, real estate signs, mailboxes, vehicles, buildings, portions of the roadway and the Stuart Aquatic Center.
The aquatic center posted about graffiti damage Tuesday morning, but police said the facility was only one of many locations targeted.
“This type of vandalism is extremely disappointing and has a real impact on our community,” Stuart police said in a release. “Many of those affected may not have the financial means to easily repair or replace the property that was damaged.”
Officers began investigating the damage Tuesday morning and identified two juvenile females as suspects by that afternoon. Police said the juveniles were later interviewed and admitted their involvement.
The juveniles will be referred to juvenile court on charges of criminal mischief, according to police.
Because the suspects are juveniles, their names were not released.
Police are asking residents to check their property. Anyone who discovers additional spray-painted property that has not already been reported is asked to contact the Stuart Police Department at 515-523-1896 so the damage can be documented and included in the case.
The case remains a reminder that vandalism is not a harmless prank. For homeowners, business owners and public facilities, cleanup and repairs can be costly, time-consuming and frustrating.
No further details were immediately released.
Below are photo sent by police of the vandalism spree:
