PLYMOUTH (WWJ) - Authorities are working to identify five people believed to be involved in vandalizing artwork that was hung as part of Plymouth Art Walk Initiative in Downtown Plymouth.
Officials for the city released a series of photos of the group consisting of three males and two females as they walked around the downtown area in hopes someone may recognize them.
"These are persons of interest in the vandalizing of pieces in the Plymouth Art Walk," officials wrote.
The pieces that were vandalized were first put up on display in May, WWJ's Mike Campbell reported.
"They have an alleyway, or a couple of alleyways actually, that connect Penniman and Fleet Street, which is one of the main streets in downtown Plymouth and the municipal parking garage," Campbell explained. "And in those alleyways, they have hung replicas of art. Some of them are from Plymouth artist, Tony Roko, and others are from a group of kids."
The initiative, led by Art Foundation founded by Roko, seeks to transform unused alleys, walls and side streets into a "public outdoor gallery."
As stated on the foundation's website, the program began with an initial installation of 10 artworks.
"Four of the installations are works by Tony Roko, with the other six comprised of a collection of the "greatest hits" of the program graduate of Art Foundation's: Introduction to Art Expression program," the foundation states.
Campbell said of the ten pieces, at least two have been visibly damaged.
"One I can see has a crack in it all the way across it. That one is by an artist, a young lady named Gabby and one that is missing, presumably damaged and removed," Campbell said.
Roko took to Facebook to share that the piece that went missing was the work of a kid.
"Please share," he said of his post. "...These guys came out of the Post Bar (no fault of the Post) Saturday night at 1 a.m. in case that helps."
In Roko's video, the group can be seen looking at various pieces of artwork on display before going up to a few frames and trying to remove them.
After several attempts, one of men managed to get one of artworks free before calling over others. Two men then rip the frame completely from the alley wall before walking away with it.
Now, Plymouth police are determined to track the vandals down. Detectives said they need the public's help in identifying five persons of interest. Photos of the group show three males and two females.
Anyone with any information about the incident or anyone who many recognize those pictured have been asked to contact Plymouth PD at 734-453-1234, ext. 258 or email information at jhiemstra@plymouthpolice.org.
"You might be able to help solve this case of art vandalism at Plymouth Artwalk," Campbell said.