POLICE are to stop and search youngsters in an attempt to find a mystery group of graffiti artists who are plaguing a town. Problems started in Biggleswade two weeks ago and since then police have had to deal with over 20 reports of white spaces being dau

POLICE are to stop and search youngsters in an attempt to find a mystery group of graffiti artists who are plaguing a town.

Problems started in Biggleswade two weeks ago and since then police have had to deal with over 20 reports of white spaces being daubed by a person or persons with a black felt tipped pen.

Police say the trouble starts after dark and companies are waking up to find their property covered in graffiti.

Now, say police, nearly every white wall or advertising hoarding in the town has been plastered with the scrawl.

Several youths have been questioned during police patrols but no arrests have been made.

Areas hardest hit have been in Bonds Lane near the police station and Shortmead Street near the town centre where some buildings have been targeted more than once including the St John Ambulance headquarters in Crab Lane.

In an attempt to halt the problem and find those responsible, police are to stop and search youngsters on Biggleswade's streets to see if they are equipped with pens that might be used for graffiti.

"The graffiti started to appear a few weeks ago and is getting out of hand," said Biggleswade beat manager Pc Ian Wilson.

"It is always signed with the same tag but it might be more than one person who is responsible.

"We believe the best way of getting to the root of the problem is to start searching youngsters at night to see whether they have any pens or spray cans on them.

"It might seem a tough way to try and solve the problem but we have got to stop it now before it spreads any further.

"A black felt tipped pen is always used and they always look out for a white background so the graffiti stands out."

A graffiti board has been erected down the recreation ground for youngsters to spray but is rarely used.

Pc Wilson warned that anyone over 16 caught spraying graffiti on property could face a fixed penalty fine of £80.

"We are determined to stop this problem which is why I shall be going into local schools during the coming week to warn children of the consequences if they are caught," added Pc Wilson.

Anyone who wishes to help the police with information that might lead to the arrest of anyone responsible for the graffiti outbreak should contact Pc Wilson on 01234 842549.