VANDALS defacing property across Radcliffe are the target of a new campaign to crack down on graffiti.

Police have reported a significant increase in the amount of graffiti in the town, with the Church Street West and canal areas among the worst affected.

Officers are now working with schools across Radcliffe and other areas of the borough in the hope of identifying the numerous tags left by vandals.

Because the graffiti is so widespread and a number of different tags have been spotted, it is believed a number of people may be responsible.

PC Lucia Cronin, neighbourhood beat officer for Radcliffe East, said: “We have noticed a serious increase in the amount of graffiti across Radcliffe, particularly in Church Street West and the canal area.

“It’s a problem that has become very widespread and it’s not just one person doing it, there are a number of different tags.

“We are looking at as much CCTV footage as we can and working with local schools in the area to track down whoever is responsible.”

Councillor Rishi Shori, deputy leader of Bury Council, who represents Radcliffe West, said: “I would encourage people to report instances of graffiti.

“It lowers the tone of the area, making parts of Radcliffe look really untidy. The perpetrators should be prosecuted.

“We all want to improve the local environment in Radcliffe and reducing the amount of graffiti is important in helping us do that.”

Police officers are urging members of the public to help them track down the vandals by informing them of any instances of graffiti in their area, as incidents have rarely been reported.

PC Cronin added: “There have been very few occasions when people actually report graffiti to us, which seems ridiculous when you get out there and see the amount of it.

“As local bobbies we need to be made aware of this by members of the public, instead of relying solely on driving past and spotting it ourselves.

“We are looking for anybody to come forward who might know who these tags belong to.”

Anyone with information or knows who could be responsible is asked to e-mail burysouth@gmp.police.uk or call 0161 856 8204.