'THREATENING and deplorable' graffiti aimed at homeless people has been discovered on the inside of a public toilet in Weymouth.

The offensive message, which reads 'kill all homeless in Weymouth', was written in a cubicle at Greenhill Gardens public toilets.

Police are now investigating the act of vandalism – as well as a second report of criminal damage to the public toilets in Maiden Street.

In response, town and county councillors, as well as representatives from a homeless charity have blasted the criminal damage.

Melcombe Regis councillor Tia Roos said: "A lack of tolerance for people who are in a situation that anyone can end up is so sad.

"Empathy goes a long way and I’m concerned some people are lacking the insight to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.

"Life isn’t easy. Life isn’t fair. If anyone finds themselves homeless, they should not be discriminated against and they need to know help is available through organisations such as Shelter and the Lantern Trust."

Working in close co-operation with the Lantern Trust is south Dorset homeless outreach service Julian House.

A spokesperson from Julian House, said: "It's such a crass, unpleasant statement - it should be treated with the contempt it deserves.

"This is not gulls or rats that they are talking about, but people - mothers, fathers, sons and daughters - who happen to be in a vulnerable and marginalised position.

"They deserve a hand up, rather than threatening graffiti."

Melcombe Regis councillor Jon Orrell said: "I'm saddened by this offensive graffiti.

"It reflects a bad attitude to other people who are unwell, lost or destitute.

"Everyone who is without a home is someone’s son or daughter.

"A change in circumstances - divorce or redundancy - may put people out of their homes.

"Thankfully, the majority of people are compassionate and support the charities and various projects that help vulnerable people back into mainstream society."

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council brief holder for housing and community safety, said: "I’m appalled to hear of the graffiti appearing across the Weymouth area. Not only is this a deliberate act of vandalism and criminal damage, costing the local tax payer money for it to be removed, but it's an offensive and detrimental hate crime.

"We will continue to work closely with Dorset Police, Weymouth Town Council and our charity partners to offer help, support and guidance."

The public toilets across Weymouth are maintained by Weymouth Town Council.

The graffiti has since been removed by town council workers.

A spokesman from the town council said: "Our cleansing team have removed the deplorable graffiti and have reported the incident to the police. As well as being extremely offensive, it takes additional funding and resources to remove it.

"We urge the public to contact the police if they witness vandalism in progress."

Dorset Police said it received a report on Monday, April 12 that criminal damage had been caused to public toilets in Weymouth.

A spokesman said: "It's reported that between 8pm on Saturday 10 April and 10am on Sunday 11 April 2021 graffiti appeared."

Enquiries are ongoing into the report. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police, quoting occurrence number 55210057175.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

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