A CAMPAIGN to crack down on a growing amount of graffiti in Colchester has been launched.

Essex Police and Colchester Council have joined forces to target the taggers.

It is hoped by visiting schools and educating young people the vandalism will be reduced.

Neighbourhood watch co-ordinator and Colchester councillor Martin Goss wants the police and the courts to take a tough stance.

He said: “I think the campaign is long overdue.

“We need to start taking a zero tolerance approach.

“Graffiti is the beginning of the breakdown of society when people find this type of behaviour acceptable.

“The people doing this need to be made an example of.”

Tim Young, cabinet member for community safety and a member of the police and crime panel, added: “Colchester Council is committed to tackling graffiti in the borough and is pleased to work in partnership with Essex Police on this campaign.

“The council is helping to raise awareness of this crime, which is a growing issue in the town.

“We will continue to identify and remove instances of graffiti in the quickest possible time.

“Officers will also be working to assist police in gathering information to gain successful prosecutions for the culprits.

“We are sending out a clear message that graffiti is vandalism and will not be tolerated in Colchester.”

The campaign is called Graffiti is Vandalism.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “There have been an increasing number of graffiti tags appearing.”

Posters have been put up around the town and leaflets and talks will be given to schools.

Officers from Colchester are gathering intelligence and looking to arrest those responsible.

Anyone with informatiion call Colchester police station on 101.

Alternatively call 01206 717660 anonymously.