DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities seek the public’s help in their search for several people who, they said, spray-painted graffiti on the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier and then posted video of the crime on social media.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the subjects targeted a pillar underneath the pier, at around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Investigators said this was one of several such incidents, dating back to September, where the subject spray-painted the base of the pier with initials and designs.
Beachgoers told 7News the graffiti made the pier unappealing to visit.
“This is horrible what they’re doing. Like, why, it’s unnecessary,” said Jackie Miller. “This is, for us, our escape place, our happy place. We don’t need them to come and destroy it.”
Many said the actions of the people captured on video is maddening to see.
“These kids need to, I don’t know, they need to know better,” said Miller.
“It’s disgusting, unfortunately,” said Cindy Schwarz. “It’s sad.”
“I don’t believe in spray painting any public property without some sort of permission or anything,” said David Lawrence. “It’s not art.”
The Murphy family is visiting from Chicago to escape the cold weather and said they’re shocked nobody saw the young men and said anything.
“It’s upsetting that they think they’re able to get away with it and there’s gonna be no consequences or anything like that,” said Larry Murphy. “To do it in broad daylight, it’s just, ‘Hey, we really don’t care. there’s gonna be no punishment. It’s upsetting to see.”
“It’s a family-friendly thing here so you want everything to be nice, you know, no graffiti, no swearing a lot,” said Michael Murphy.
Deputies say they don’t know if any of the letters or designs have any meaning, but it’s been one of several incidents since September.
“This is a crime. They are vandalizing property, in this case, it’s city property,” said BSO spokesperson Carey Codd. “This is something where detectives want to try to nip this in the bud.”
The pier has undergone renovations and repairs over the years, including substantial damage caused by Tropical Storm Nicole in 2022, so authorities are taking this matter seriously.
“Mother nature is an unbelievable force. It is incredible the damage that we’ve gotten at the end of our pier,” said Bill Ganz, a former mayor for Deerfield Beach.
Detectives said city workers have since painted over the graffiti, and they continue to investigate the matter as possible criminal mischief.
If you have any information on this act of vandalism or the subjects’ whereabouts, call BSO Deerfield Beach Detective Jason Arellano at 954-250-4392 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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