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Jersey Heritage say they hope to see the end of “mindless and unnecessary vandalism” after an unknown graffitist illegally daubed German fortifications at Elizabeth Castle with nearly 30 swastikas.
The symbols, which are associated with Nazism and considered offensive, appeared in various sizes inside two bunkers - one by the gatehouse and another by the parade ground - and the lookout tower at the top of the castle.
There were 27 in total, which were drawn in a black permanent marker pen - some of which accompanied with the letters 'ss' and 'hh'. They have since been removed.
It is believed that the graffiti was drawn during opening hours when members of the public would have been around between Friday 17 and Sunday 19 August.
Pictured: One of the swastikas was underlined 'ss'.
However, the culprit, Police said, would have had to "jump or climb a wooden barrier in one of the bunkers that restricts public access to one of the rooms."
They are now looking to speak with members of the public who may have witnessed the daubing.
Police are also keen to hear from witnesses who may have spotted "someone acting suspiciously or who looked out of place" in the area.
Pictured: Another of the symbols, which appeared in three locations at Elizabeth Castle, featured 'hh'.
Jersey Heritage Sites Manager Ian Daly said that the swastikas have now been removed, but that a special cleaning fluid was needed to do so in order to ensure that the walls of the site were not damaged in the process. This had to be verified with conservator Neil Mahrer, who checks all substances to be used on the walls of Heritage castles and museums.
“The Swastikas were removed as soon as the Police and their CSI team had taken photographs and other evidence samples. I had already arranged for a G4S contracted cleaner to go around with the Police and to clean each individual area after they had finished their work, so as to avoid any visitor complaints,” he told Express.
“Let’s now hope that we have seen the last of this mindless and unnecessary vandalism,” he added.
Anyone with information should contact Police on 612612 or make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or by using their online form.
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