GRAFFITI vandals have targeted shops and skate parks in Canberra’s south, with police finding more than 50 “tags” at the Erindale Shops in the last week. 

At 9.40am on Tuesday, August 27 police received reports that “extensive graffiti” had been sprayed at the Erindale Shops overnight.

CCTV footage from the area showed a group of about eight men spray painting walls around 11.55pm on Monday, August 26. All the males were wearing dark-coloured hooded jumpers.

Police are seeking to identify one of the men who was seen on the CCTV footage (pictured).

Police say Erindale shops has been the target of more graffiti since, with over 50 “tags” found at the Erindale Shops and surrounding area.

About 11pm last night, Tuggeranong police found more graffiti at the Greenway skate park, with “slow” tags in the toilet block, throughout the park, on an electricity box on the path and along the gravel path heading towards Lake Tuggeranong College.

Witnesses say there were three youths aged between 14 to 16- years-old involved in this week’s incident.

Officer-in-Charge of Tuggeranong Police Station Station Sergeant Daryl Neit, says these acts of vandalism carry a “significant cost penalty” for local small businesses, home owners and the government.

“It is extremely disappointing to see these acts of vandalism occurring in our area. Recently an offender was arrested, prosecuted and fined for spraying graffiti in Civic. What may seem like a harmless prank at the time can have far-reaching consequences once you have a criminal conviction recorded against you,” he says.

Police are requesting anyone who may recognise the man pictured, may know the group or individuals behind the graffiti tags of ‘Slow’, or can assist police with the investigation in any other way to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via their website www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.