Sign slasher targets businesses offering human services

Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Sign slasher in Fort Myers. Photo via WINK News

The search is on for a sign slasher. The crook targets Southwest Florida businesses that offer services designed to help others.

This local sign slasher has been destroying signs at Harmony Thrift Store & Transitional Housing of SWFL in south Fort Myers.

Housing Director Tom Koch is at a loss for words. He said a man has been destroying signs at his business for years.

“And I thought it was probably some kids,” Koch said. “Turned out it was a man, probably in his 60s with a late-model SUV, I was surprised to see.

Koch’s friend saw the vandal in the act to get that description.

“We can’t continue to take these losses,” Koch said.

Koch has lost thousands of dollars worth of signs over the past three years, and all the money raised for Harmony Thrift Store goes toward funding the Transitional Housing of SWFL, a program that provides homes for those battling addiction.

“We can’t leave them out at night,” Barbara Pascelk said. “We need to make sure we take them all in if any are left, they are all torn up and destroyed.”

Pascelk owns Haven Hair Studio across the street and is dealing with the same issue.

“Trying to promote business,” Pascelk said. “If you can’t put signs up, and people are destroying that for you, it’s hurting our workers and hurting our business.”

WINK news also reported on the same issue happening at Majestic Palms off McGregor Boulevard.

Koch wants to tell this suspect to stop.

“Grow up,” Koch said. “Stop. It it’s not worth it. You’re affecting a lot of people that have less than you.”

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