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Need To Know > U.K News > Hunt on for anti-AI campaigner waging one-man war against rise of machines
Police hunt masked ladder-carrying man behind anti-AI graffiti spree across 15 locations in Cornwall and Devon over Christmas, warning AI will replace jobs.
U.K News

Hunt on for anti-AI campaigner waging one-man war against rise of machines

Karl Grafton
Last updated: January 7, 2026 10:46 am
Karl Grafton Published January 7, 2026
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The ladder-carrying masked man thought to be behind a spate of criminal damage against AI. (Jam Press/Devon & Cornwall Police)
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A hunt is on for an anti-AI campaigner waging a one-man war against the rise of the machines.

Police have released images of a ladder-carrying masked man thought to be behind a spate of criminal damage.

Graffiti railing against the growing technology was daubed in 15 places on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

READ MORE: Influencer traumatised after woman launches vile racist rant outside restaurant

All were thought to have been painted late at night or in the early hours.

The words “AI will replace us all” and “AI will take our jobs” were scrawled across buildings and structures, mostly in Cornwall.

The places affected were Polbathic, Downderry, Hessenford, Widegates, Crafthole and Looe in Cornwall, as well as Seaton in Devon, according to police.

The force said the masked person may be able to assist in the investigation, as reported by Need To Know.

Police hunt masked ladder-carrying man behind anti-AI graffiti spree across 15 locations in Cornwall and Devon over Christmas, warning AI will replace jobs.
The Halfway House pub in Polbathic was one of the properties hit on Christmas Day. (Picture: Jam Press)

They also want to hear from anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage “of people or vehicles seen in suspicious circumstances”.

The Halfway House pub in Polbathic was one of the properties hit on Christmas Day.

At the time, a spokesperson said: “Nothing says Merry Christmas like graffiti on our local village pub, and on our lovely neighbours’ house next door.

“On a happier note, we will open from 11 and deal with this tomorrow.”

Police hunt masked ladder-carrying man behind anti-AI graffiti spree across 15 locations in Cornwall and Devon over Christmas, warning AI will replace jobs.
The ladder-carrying masked man thought to be behind a spate of criminal damage against AI. (Jam Press/Devon & Cornwall Police)

On Boxing Day, they added: “Pleased to say all is back to normal thanks to our incredible community who spent Christmas Day helping us get rid of this childish vandalism.

“A word to the artist – there is no better place than a pub to discuss your opinion, but next time, pop in and do it at the bar with the rest of us.

“There are a few here keen to meet you.”

READ MORE: Trio of masked thugs raid and damage coffee shop

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