Suspected accused of painting post boxes in Temple Hill in Dartford has been charged

A suspect has been named following reports of several post boxes being damaged.

Danny Whiskin, of Chaucer Way, Dartford, will appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on today (Monday) charged with criminal damage to 37 post boxes in the Temple Hill area.

The incidents, involving the use of spray paint, happened between Wednesday, January 31 and Saturday, March 9.

Officers initially arrested a man on Tuesday, February 13, who was subsequently bailed pending further inquiries.

He was further arrested on Saturday, March 9, following a report of another incident.

The 33-year-old has been remanded in custody.

The sudden transformation of a string of Royal Mail post boxes from red to gold around Temple Hill in Dartford last month led police to release an image of a man and arrest a suspect.

However, following the arrest on February 13 a number of the post boxes were targeted again.

This time they were daubed with pink and yellow spots in homage to the 90s TV character Mr Blobby. One has even been transformed to look like a Cadbury Creme Egg.

Most recently a post box was painted with the Union Jack pattern, another in leopard print, after a request on social media, and one to replicate a drumstick lolly.

Whilst some residents welcomed the inventive post boxes saying it “brightened their day” and “put a smile on their face” others have branded it “pure vandalism”.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We have been engaging with Kent Police on this matter and are supporting their investigation.

“In the meantime, we are restoring the affected postboxes to their original red.”

Royal Mail refused to disclose the cost of repainting the post boxes, some of which have been targeted again since being returned to their original colour.

The majority of the incidents happened in Temple Hill and surrounding roads.