Who or what is Bob? Police appeal for help in tracing suspects behind Bourne graffiti

Police have appealed for help in tracing the graffiti artists writing the word "Bob" across various locations in Bourne.

In a post on social media, Bourne and Billingborough NPT said the word had appeared as graffiti around the southern area of the market town, including at the cemetery where gravestones have been defaced along with a wooden shelter.

"We do hope that someone will call 101 or private message us with useful information so this person/s can have a ride in police car," said police.

The post drew several comments from Facebook users who speculated about the meaning of the word and whether one or several people were behind its appearance around town.

One woman said that during a walk to town from Elsea Park she had seen "nearly every lamppost, street sign and even signs for schools and bus stops" with a Bob tag on them.

"They are obviously having fun at everyone else’s expense! I do think there is more than one culprit though since some of them were stickers and looked as though they had been done probably for attention by youngsters wanting to get some of the “limelight” for a better word.

"Seriously they need to be dealt with sooner rather than later with more than a ride in a police car!"

Another user, who said he was a heritage/restoration stonemason, offered his services to help clean the gravestones.

Some users felt that giving the vandals attention and sharing the posts would encourage them to do it more.

"Idiots! No doubt they are watching, loving all this attention," said one.

Other places the word has been spotted include estate agents signs, a cafe window, on various walls across town and even on the side of a work van.

Community policing inspector for Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings, Inspector Ian Martin said police had received "a couple" of reports relating to incidents from Great Northern Gardens and along Ancaster Road.

"They both relate to teenagers being in groups in the areas, and suspected to be behind the graffiti," he said.

"There are no names of suspects at this time, though reports are coming through to us, and we are piecing this together to try to identify those responsible."

- Have you seen the word around town? Let us know at smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk