Woman arrested after buildings and vehicles in Digby vandalized with spray paint, profanities

When Cassie Dulong of Digby, N.S., discovered that her car had been vandalized in the middle of the night, she quickly learned her vehicle wasn't the only target.

All along West Street, where Dulong lives, vehicles and buildings had been defaced with bright orange spray paint, including profanities.

"I looked around the street and the neighbour across the street from me, her white SUV got spray painted," Dulong told CBC Radio's Information Morning.

"And then down the street, you could see a building got spray painted. The other direction, somebody's boat got spray painted, and a couple other cars along the way got it as well." 

On Thursday, Digby RCMP said they had arrested a 20-year-old Marshalltown, N.S., woman in connection with the vandalism, which targeted two government buildings and vehicles parked along West Street.

Police said the vandalism occurred overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The woman faces multiple charges, including six counts of mischief, trespassing at night, theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and failing to comply with a probation order. She appeared in provincial court Thursday.

"The officers involved in this file understand the impact that it has had on the owners of the vehicles, the government agencies targeted, and the community as a whole," Sgt. Grant Ryland said in a news release.

Vandalism caught on cameras

RCMP said in the release that several residents and businesses provided surveillance footage showing the vandalism. 

Digby Mayor Mike Bartlett said he was glad to see how the community came together to help, resulting in a quick arrest.

"I'm very proud that people stepped up and called the RCMP," he told Information Morning.

But Dulong said these instances of vandalism, along with recent car break-ins around her area, has her considering greater security measures. 

"I know my neighbours and myself are really, really mad. Really mad. We're looking into getting some more security cameras and lights up where I live," Dulong said.

Dulong, who moved to Digby a year and a half ago, said she is contemplating leaving the town if more isn't done to curb the vandalism and crime. 

"Somebody needs to do something," she said.