Vandalism in Fresno's revived Fulton Street

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For many downtown Fresno residents and visitors, the nearly completed Fulton Street restoration is something to celebrate.

"I think it's beautiful I think they did a helluva job. I think it's going to bring a lot of people back to town, that's what I think," said Saul Rodriguez.

Are you surprised to hear vandals have already gone after it?

"Yeah, I can't believe it, so soon."

Over the weekend, vandals dumped paint on the Fulton Street signs at Tuolumne Street.

The Fresno Police Department provided a picture of some of the damage. Latex paint dripping over two of the new signs. The city's graffiti abatement team cleaned it up. Fortunately, none of the freshly renewed statuary and artwork were hit.

City Communications Director Mark Standriff says increased security is part of the plan.

"There are some security cameras down here but we want to make sure that we put security cameras that will be watching every one of the 32 pieces of artwork that we have and protect the fountains as well. We are also stepping up our police presence downtown and also our private security presence," said Standriff.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer issued an assurance last week that steps are being taken to protect the street.

"We do have concerns about people that might come over there for the wrong reasons. But we have some good plans in place and we are excited about the mall being open," said Dyer.

The official grand opening, celebrating the conversion of the Fulton Pedestrian Mall, back into a street takes place next Saturday. The hope is it will once again become a popular destination and a source of pride.

"Having more people down here will kind of deter the vandalism."

Police are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible. Police believe the culprits may have been on skateboards.