A KILWINNING business has been left in "shock and disbelief" after being the target of vandalism.

Goody2Shoes on the town's Main Street were left shocked after their premises was found covered in graffiti - with the incident taking place in broad daylight.

The small business shared a video following the incident, on Wednesday February 15, which appeared to show one alleged vandal in the act.

The business owner accosted a man at the back of its Kilwinning premises after finding the spray paint on the building.

Upon approaching the man, the alleged vandal can be heard claiming he thought the part of the building he had spray painted was "unused" and that he thought the graffiti was "a work of art".

They added that they were "a travelling artist" and that their plan was to paint other places as this was "what they do" as their "expression of art".

The business also confirmed that the incident took place in the middle of the afternoon, in broad daylight.

A spokesperson from Goody2Shoes, alongside the video which was shared on social media, stated: "Shocking, and I’m in disbelief that this happened at 3pm today.

"How can this happen in broad daylight and think [it] is acceptable?

"Police have been contacted and video given.

"Do you think this would be acceptable on your property?"

Thankfully for the business, they have confirmed that the graffiti has now been cleaned and the building returned to its former state.

They thanked locals for their help, including Kilwinning councillor Donald Reid, who offered assistance after hearing of the incident.

The councillor added his own disbelief that anyone would find this acceptable.

He commented: "Graffiti is a blight in our communities and I truly can’t understand anyone wanting to blight public areas with graffiti in this form.

"There is a cost to property owners to clean up this crime and in public areas has high costs to the council as well. 

"I’d encourage anyone seeing graffiti to report it for removal as quickly as possible or witnessing it happening to report to police."

Police Scotland have confirmed that they are now investigating the matter.

A force spokesperson said: "An investigation is under way following a report of vandalism to a wall in Main Street, Kilwinning.

"The incident was reported to police around 3.45pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 and enquiries are ongoing."