Appeal after parking signs attacked and removed

A head and shoulders shot of a man with grey hair and glasses. He is smiling at the camera and wearing a lilac jumper with a blue shirt collar poking out. He is standing in front of a row of houses.
Leonard Gregory says the vandalism is "ridiculous" [BBC]

Parking signs have been damaged and removed in a series of incidents in Lincoln.

Police are investigating a number of crimes relating to a residential parking scheme in the Burton Road area, including theft, intimidation and public order offences.

Some signs in Albany Street, Mill Road, Turner Street and Waldeck Street have been spray-painted while others have been completely removed from their posts.

Lincolnshire Police appealed for any footage which might show a person damaging or stealing the signs or being abusive to others.

One report relates to a resident who found what appeared to be a parking enforcement ticket on their windscreen.

However, the ticket contained a blank note and was not legitimate. The resident was also verbally abused by a man. Police said they were treating it as a public order offence.

Leonard Gregory, who lives on Willis Close, said: "It's ridiculous because they're not benefitting from it. We pay a residents fee to park out here.

"They're just going around literally dumping everything. It's getting worse round here than it ever has been. They think it's funny but I don't think it's funny."

A parking sign reading 'Resident permit holders only' but half of the sign is spray-painted with black spray paint.
Police are asking for any footage that might show a person damaging or stealing the signs [BBC]

Police community beat manager PC Jo Witton said: “This is something that we know is really affecting the residents in that area, and we want them to know that we understand the impact it’s having, we’re taking it seriously, and we’re taking action.

"Now, we need to call on the community for more help so we can try and bring an end to this issue.”

City of Lincoln Council, which operates the parking scheme, has arranged for the signs to be cleaned and repaired.

Kieron Manning, assistant director of planning, said: “The criminal damage that this individual is doing is having a significant negative impact on the lives of residents living in this area.

“It’s a shame that someone’s obvious grievance against such a useful and well-regarded scheme has reached this point but, with Lincolnshire Police’s assistance, I am confident that person can be caught and prosecuted accordingly.”

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