
When the lockdown began, many retail establishments sent crews round to board up their locations. As shopping streets became deserted, the unwelcome return of graffiti criminals is evident on a daily basis. I was initially concerned that a stretched NYPD was going to turn a blind eye to so-called minor crime - as other cities had ill-advisedly announced. Sadly, many business owners are going to come back to their premises and have to waste time and resources removing spray paint. It’s a rare black mark on a city that has rallied together in so many ways.