While Swanage Railway was fundraising to save the service from financial ruin due to the coronavirus pandemic, vandals broke in and damaged two of its heritage carriages.
Purbeck Police is now appealing for information from anyone who may know anything about the incident that took place sometime between Sunday 5th and Monday 6th July 2020.
In publishing the photos taken by Swanage Railway, it’s hoped that someone may be able to identify the culprit by the style of the graffiti and the tags.
The graffiti slogan ‘Barbed wire in his underpants’ spray painted onto the side of the carriage
“The ‘art’ was sprayed along the carriages causing damage”
Purbeck Police said:
“Unfortunately sometime between 5th and 6th July, Swanage Railway was targeted by an ‘artist’. Despite there being a graffiti wall a few hundred yards away!
“As you can see from the images, the ‘art’ was sprayed along the carriages causing damage and resulting in the railway having to pay to have it removed and the carriages repaired.
“If you can identify the ‘artist’ from the tags, then please get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.
To make up for lost revenue the railway needs to raise £360,000
Swanage Railway has now reopened and is operating a limited service under strict health and safety guidelines. However, it estimates that to make up for the lost revenue during the railway’s enforced closure during the coronavirus pandemic, it needs to raise £360,000.
By fundraising, it has now reached an amazing £242,624 through generous donations, however it is still short of its target to ensure it can get through the winter.
Donations can be made via the Swanage Railway’s website
