Smoking ban sparks college vandalism

FREDERICK, Md., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Men's restrooms are being vandalized at a community college in Maryland apparently because the school's trustees enacted a smoking ban last spring.

In less than a month vandals have struck more than 12 times stealing toilet paper, clogging toilets and urinals and smearing feces on bathroom walls at Frederick (Md.) Community College, The Frederick News-Post reported Friday.

Graffiti left by the vandals last month indicated they would continue their actions until a smoking ban enacted by the college's board of trustees was lifted.

"It's childish, it's reckless, it’s criminal and now it's (a health) concern," college spokesman Michael Pritchard told the News-Post.

Pritchard said security officials are relying on students to help identify the vandals.

The school is offering a $500 reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.