Police are cracking down on graffiti pests in bid to wipe out the scrawl in the county.

Members of South Bedfordshire Criminal Damage Reduction Group took part in a major clean-up and they are now trying to catch those who created the ugly writing.

The group photographed 'tags', a slang term for a graffiti signature or nickname, and used high pressure sprayers and chemical wipes to remove them from walls, fences and play equipment.

Each tag image is now incorporated in a book which police will take into schools and other locations in an effort to identify patterns and the true identity of the vandals.

Police already have names of three suspects.

Group chairman Insp Berni White said: "The warning is we will be taking positive action against offenders who commit criminal damage.
"We know we have the support of the general public and they can help by contacting us with the names of those they believe are responsible.
"All information will be treated in strict confidence."

Anyone with information about graffiti vandalism should telephone the safer neighbourhood team criminal damage hotline on 01582 473144.
A 24 hour answer machine will be in place.

Alternatively, email graeme.twyford@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk