- CCTV footage has been released of a man in a Covid mask and blue hooded coat
Police are trying to find a mysterious postbox vandal who has been spraying the iconic red boxes gold in the middle of the night.
The motive of the stealthy culprit, who carried out attacks on around 10 Royal Mail boxes in Dartford, Kent last month, remains unknown.
But now officers think they might be a step closer to finding the fiend having released CCTV images of a man wearing a Covid-style mask and a blue hooded coat who they want to interview in relation to the incidents.
Locals in the market town, which lies just outside London, have been left bewildered by the inexplicable series of spray paint attacks.
All of the targeted postboxes have been splattered with gold – except one which was redesigned with white and black spots to resemble a cow.
Police are trying to find a mysterious postbox vandal who has been spraying the iconic red boxes gold in the middle of the night in Dartford, Kent
Now officers think they might be a step closer to finding the fiend having released CCTV images of a man (pictured) wearing a Covid-style mask and a blue hooded coat who they want to interview in relation to the incidents
The gold boxes smack of the specially-wrapped postboxes commissioned by the Royal Mail during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The commemorative boxes were put up in the hometowns of all of Britain’s gold medallists at the games.
The first attack took place in the commuter town on January 25 with the most recent case of vandalism occurring last Sunday.
Residents have made their voices heard about the elusive postbox meddler on social media, including Emma Heneghan who said: ‘I’d love to know who [is doing it].
‘I think personally they look good.
‘It adds bit of colour and they are really not doing any harm to anyone.’
Inspector Siobhan Rowe, of the Dartford Community Safety Unit of Kent Police, said: ‘Our officers have been working closely with the Royal Mail after several postboxes were covered in paint. We are now issuing an image of a person who may be able to assist with our enquiries.
‘While their face is concealed, they are wearing distinctive clothing and we are hoping somebody recognises them and contacts us.’
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of the postboxes and are in the process of having them restored to their original red.’
Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/19948/24.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.