A POLICE inspector has vowed to take action against vandals spraying city centre shops with graffiti.

The Gazette revealed businesses in the centre of Colchester were targeted during a spree of incidents last week.

An unconfirmed shop in Culver Street West was defaced by the word “Lane” being sprayed across its front window.

“Qball” was tagged on the rear of a public building in Trinity Square on the same day, before it was sprayed on a postbox in Pelham’s Lane.

Gazette: Incident - St John's StreetIncident - St John's Street (Image: Newsquest)

Another incident saw three walls in St John’s Street marked with the word “Arcy”.

Insp Stuart Austin, of the Colchester Community Policing Team, said the town centre team is working closely with businesses affected.

He said: "We know the impact incidents of graffiti can have, both on businesses affected but also on the look and feel of our city centre.

"Where we can and we have evidence to support, appropriate action will be taken against offenders, whether that is through the criminal justice system, through other preventative measures or through the youth offending team.

"I would always encourage anyone who has information on criminal damage incidents, or indeed any incident, within the city centre to please report it to us."