POLICE are cracking down on graffiti vandals who have sprayed images on walls, fences and a car in Kingsteignton.

Name That Tag posters are being displayed around the village in the hope that someone recognises whose work it is.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Teignbridge Council have teamed up to appeal for local help and are offering a cash reward for help in identifying the perpetrators. 

Two distinctive tags have been used, one featuring a rabbit, in places 8ft tall, and male genitalia. The council and the police are hoping the drawings will be recognised by somebody in the area, whether a teacher, friend or family member.

Judy Bowen of Rydon Acres was dismayed to discover that a blue rabbit had been sprayed on to her silver VW golf estate recently. She said that neighbours had also had their houses targeted.

'For vulnerable people living on their own, this could be really scary. There's no thought for anyone else. They've just gone through Kingsteignton spraying anything they fancied.

'Mine will T-cut off but I'm really mad about graffiti on people's houses. One lady has writing on her house, she was quite intimidated by it.

'I just hope that somebody of their age looks at that and thinks I know who that is. That could have happened to a member of my family.'

Andy Davies, Teignbridge Council's antisocial behaviour officer, said: 'Graffiti is criminal damage and can take a lot of time, effort and money to put right. While Teignbridge does having a cleaning blitz team which can clean graffiti from public areas, it obviously costs the taxpayer and prevents the team from undertaking normal duties elsewhere.

'We're hoping that these distinctive tags will jog somebody's memory and help us find those responsible.  If anybody does recognise these tags, we urge them to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact their local police station. For information leading to an arrest and charge there may even be a cash reward offered by the police.'

Inspector Mark Backhouse of Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'This criminal behaviour has a real impact on the quality of life in Kingsteignton. We find these acts completely unacceptable. We take them seriously and all offenders will be prosecuted.'