AHOSKIE – Warning: those involved with writing graffiti on business buildings in Ahoskie need to know your style of art is unwelcomed.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said a recent rash of graffiti has prompted his department to keep a trained eye on the growing problem.

“We will not tolerate this in Ahoskie,” Chief Fitzhugh said. “Not only is it unpleasant to look at, it’s also illegal. Once those responsible are apprehended, we will seek to impose the most severe penalty the law allows.”

Fitzhugh said he strongly believes there is more than just one person responsible.

“What really makes this so blatant is that they will do this at anytime and anywhere,” Fitzhugh noted.

The most recent rash of graffiti is confined to at least four businesses on Main Street as well as one on Memorial Drive.

“We’re asking business owners to report these incidents as soon as they become aware of the situation,” the Police Chief said.

In an effort to deter further incidents, Fitzhugh also urged business owners and citizens to keep an eye out for one or more individuals lurking around any place of business or residence.

“Even if we investigate these reports and discover nothing is out of sorts, please let us know immediately so we can dispatch officers to the location and check things out,” Fitzhugh concluded. “I’ve instructed my officers to keep an eye out for these graffiti artists, but the more eyes we have out there, the better the chance we have to arrest those responsible.”

The Ahoskie Police Department can be contacted at 332-5011.