WB Vandalism could soon cost property owners money

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WECT) - From graffiti to broken fences there were just over 90 acts of vandalism in Wrightsville Beach last year. Now, town leaders are putting their foot down not just on the vandal, but the property owners for taking too long to clean it up.

Graffiti has been sprayed along the front and side of the closed Wrightsville Food Mart for the past 5 months.

"We've been trying to get the property owner of the Scotchman store to clean up their property, explained Wrightsville Beach Town Manger, Tim Owens. This prompted a lot of it so we can take action and have the problem corrected."

After multiple attempts to the property owner to clean up the property, the town is now working on a new nuisance ordinance that will fine the owner for not cleaning up their property on time.

We talked to Tyler Gregg, the broker for the property, and he admits they've dropped the ball cleaning up it up.

"Since we have already done it twice, this third round we've let it slip, said Gregg. However, we have every intension of cleaning it up."

Johnny Mercers Pier is no stranger to vandalism. Just a few days ago, vandals decorated the underside of their pier.

"It's disconcerning to see this type disrespect to public property," said Matthew Johnson, whose family has owned the Pier since 1969.

However, Johnson thinks this new ordinance could help improve the beach.

I think it's good, he said. It probably wouldn't just apply to vandalism; it would apply to a house that is falling down in disrepair. It just makes the beach look nicer and Wrightsville Beach has a nice image and we just wanted to keep it that way."

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WB Vandalism could soon cost property owners money