Newton Aycliffe couple plagued by abusive graffiti (From The Advertiser Series)

Newton Aycliffe couple plagued by abusive graffiti

10:03am Sunday 30th September 2012 in News By Lizzie Anderson

A COUPLE, whose lives has been blighted by an abusive graffiti campaign accusing them of being paedophiles, are urging anyone with information to contact the police.

For the last two years, the offensive graffiti has appeared on signs, lamp posts, buildings, roads and pavements across Newton Aycliffe. The unfounded insult is always the same “[house number] Alverton Drive Paedo.”

The couple, who have asked not to be named, have no idea why anyone would single them out in this way. It has proven especially upsetting for the wife - a 57-year-old who is recovering from cancer.

“I am not very well and this is adding to the stress,” she said. “I just wish they would stop. There is no truth in it at all. I work in a school and have been CRB checked. We get on with all our neighbours and lead a quiet life. I don’t understand it.”

And, to make matters worse, the couple have suffered several acts of vandalism, including damage to cars and rat poison being thrown into their back garden.

The husband, 61, has reported all of the incidents to the police, who are working closely with the couple and their 27-year-old daughter to catch whoever is responsible.

The latest graffiti was discovered last week on a sign on “The Burn” bridleway, which circles the town.

PCSO Mike Welch said: “There have been 10 graffiti incidents reported to us in total and we are very concerned about the impact this is having on the family, who are innocent victims.

“ I would urge people to keep an eye out for anyone who looks suspicious and to contact us with any information that could help us.
“We are putting a number of measures in place to catch the person behind the graffiti and when we do they will be named and shamed.”

The husband said he hoped people would respond to the appeal, adding: “I am not worried for myself, as I can let it go over my head. I just worry for my wife.”

Anyone with information should contact PCSO Welch or PC Matt Stasiak at Newton Aycliffe Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.