A SPATE of graffiti vandalism in Christchurch has sparked a crackdown by local police determined stop the culprits.

The latest vandalism spree has taken place in Mudeford – at sheltered housing, bus shelters, the Scout hut at Stanpit and various walls – and follows previous problems earlier this year.

One incident left an elderly women too frightened to go outside after she believed she was deliberately targeted.

But, following the latest attacks, which amount to around 40 to 50 different incidents, PC Andrew Morton, Safer Neighbourhood Officer for Mudeford and Christchurch, said the issue had become a ‘major concern’ in the area.

“It really unnerves people. For vulnerable residents, it makes them wonder why they are being targeted,” he said.

“It costs the public money to remove the graffiti as well. It is much more than a nuisance.”

He added: “If anyone knows anything about this or other graffiti attacks, please contact the police.

“We need the public’s help to catch these people and stop this blight.”

Cllr Bernie Davis, portfolio holder for community at Christchurch Council, said: “This is pure vandalism and it costs our council taxpayers thousands of pounds every year to clear it up.

“Graffiti not only makes the areas where it happens look awful but it makes some of more vulnerable residents fearful that more anti-social behaviour will take place.

“We’ll be working with the police to find the offenders and will be cleaning off the graffiti as soon as we can.”

Contact PC Andrew Morton 1871 on 101 with any information.