A SPATE of graffiti has defaced buildings in Stourport.

Tags including the words “bling” and “venom” repeated 18 times in black spray paint were written on the Areley Kings Scout Group’s hut, on the recreation ground in Areley Common, sometime between Monday, May 16, and Thursday, May 19.

Silver spray paint and stencil was also used to paint the words “stencil line do not cross” on the fire door.

This incident follows on from one in the same location a few weeks earlier, which had been painted over, as well as at other locations in the town.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and PC Andy Brooks said house-to-house inquiries had been carried out.

He said: “Tagging, as it is sometimes known, is criminal damage.

“Graffiti is not only unsightly but it gives an area a general look of neglect and adds to the fear of crime, impacting on the lives of local residents.

“It can also be extremely expensive to deal with as specialist equipment has to be obtained to clean it off.

“We are appealing for witnesses to contact us at the time they see young people carrying out graffiti so we can catch them in the act.”

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call PC Brooks on 0300 333 3000 quoting 725-s-190511 or Crimes-toppers on 0800 555111.