A man has been arrested after post boxes across Dartford were painted gold – with one in black and white in a cow-like pattern.

A number of postboxes were painted between Wednesday, January 31 and Monday, February 5, 2024, with the majority of the incidents in the Temple Hill area.

A total of 26 postboxes had been covered in gold paint during this period – which Kent Police describes as criminal damage.

Kent Police arrested a man yesterday (February 13) in connection with this.

Police were on patrol in Oldfield Place, Dartford, when they noticed a man fitting the description of the suspect.

He currently remains in custody whilst enquiries continue.

The painted postboxes have been noticed on several streets, including Keynes Road, St Vincents Road, Victoria Road, Pilgrims Way, Fulwich Road, and Welcome Avenue.

A particular one on Farnol Road is different to the others, sporting a black and white pattern that looks a little like a cow print.

Royal Mail says it is in the process of restoring the postboxes to their original red painting.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “A suspect has been arrested by officers investigating the criminal damage of multiple postboxes across Dartford.

“Royal Mail reported that between Wednesday 31 January and Monday 5 February 2024 26 postboxes had been covered in gold paint.

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

“Officers carried out several enquiries, including releasing a CCTV image, and on Tuesday 13 February police were on foot patrol in Oldfield Place, Dartford, when they arrested a man who matched the description of the suspect.

“He remains in custody while enquiries continue.”