Several times in the past two years large block letters that spell “Loyola” have been vandalized, but university officials say they haven’t been able to nab any of the perpetrators.

The concrete letters on these signs – one in front of the Communications/Music Complex on the corner of Calhoun Street and St. Charles Avenue, one next to Mercy Hall at Calhoun and Freret Street and another in front of Marquette Hall – are frequently subject to getting kicked over, stolen and smashed.

According to Jim Sutherland, assistant director of Physical Plant, the letters cost Loyola about $53 each.

The last time that the letters were damaged was August 30, when two Os and an L were destroyed at Calhoun and Freret.

“This happens about once or twice a year, but sometimes we go a whole year without anyone touching them,” Capt. Roger Pinac of University Police said.

Although this vandalism is a frequent occurrence, no one has ever been caught in the act, so there is not a very clear idea about who the perpetrators may be.

“It’s something that takes all of twenty seconds to do, and if we kept a security guard by the signs all night, people wouldn’t do it,” Pinac said.

When questioned about who he thought the vandals were, Pinac shrugged.

“Drunks, idiots. It’s probably students,” he said. “Whether students at Loyola or Tulane, well, your guess is as good as mine.”

Officials say the incident is classified under criminal damage of property. They also said that anyone caught damaging the signs could be sent to jail.

The vandalism is common enough for Physical Plant to keep several spare letters on hand at any given time – university police estimate that one sign is damaged each semester.

When letters are destroyed, they can be replaced in about two hours, officials said.