Police in Ulverston investigating after premises targeted with graffiti

Police in Ulverston are investigating after eight premises in Ulverston town centre were targeted with hate-related graffiti overnight  on 18-19 January. The graffiti was sprayed at locations across Ulverston Town Centre on Brogden Street, New Market Street and Market Street. Officers are aware these incidents have caused significant concern - not only for those directly affected, but in the wider community also. An investigation is ongoing and officers have been on patrol across the town speaking to residents, business owners and those affected. South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Ross Woods said: “These incidents are totally unacceptable and have caused a great deal of distress to the people living in our community. “The overwhelming response from residents has been one of condemnation. It’s clear the wider community does not support or share the views expressed in this graffiti. “Work is underway to ensure the hateful graffiti is removed as soon as possible. The reports are being investigated as hate crimes and we are determined to find the individual, or individuals responsible. “From early enquiries, it is clear steps were taken to conceal the offenders’ identities, and we are relying on the local community, who I’m sure are just as appalled as we are, to come forward with information. “If you live in the area and have any knowledge of who carried this out, please report this to us. Similarly, we would also ask you to please check your CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the evening of Sunday 18 January into the early hours of Monday 19 January in case anything significant to the investigation was captured”. Councillor Helen Chaffey, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communication, and Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “We are deeply concerned by this unacceptable behaviour which has no place in Westmorland and Furness and has caused significant distress to our residents. “Hate of any kind will not be tolerated in our communities where values are built on ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive, whatever their background or identity. “We would like to thank Cumbria Police for their swift response and ongoing investigation, and for the reassurance that patrols are taking place. We encourage anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward to support their enquiries.” You can report information to us via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or by calling 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or by going online : Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers