Red dye was discovered in three fountains around campus by maintenance crews this morning, although university police said there is nothing connecting the vandalism to the upcoming annual rivalry football game against USC on Saturday.
“There’s no evidence except for the red dye at this time,” said UCPD spokeswoman Nancy Greenstein.
The Inverted Fountain, the Shapiro Fountain at the top of Janss Steps and a Sculpture Garden fountain were vandalized overnight, and crews are currently draining and refilling the fountains, said UCLA spokesman Phil Hampton.
This crime follows a long tradition of pranks that have taken place in past years during the week leading up to the annual UCLA–USC game.
Hampton said crews are currently inspecting the fountain for damage. The main concern is that the dye could have caused damage to the pumps, but the cost, if any, is currently undetermined.
Whether or not any protective measures will be taken for the fountains depends partially on how much damage, if any, was caused by the vandalism, Hampton said.
Although there are surveillance cameras around some buildings on campus, Hampton said he did not know whether these fountains have video surveillance.
“Hopefully we will have a few leads that will direct us to the individual or individuals who did this,” Greenstein said.
With reports by Sonali Kohli, Bruin senior staff.