A POLICE crackdown on a rash of graffiti crime in Amesbury has resulted in seven arrests.

Graffiti has been an ongoing problem in the town and has been targeted by the Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team over several months.

Now seven people have been arrested since the beginning of the year and have between them admitted 55 offences and been dealt with under the criminal justice system.

The graffiti sprayers had left their handiwork on bus stops, telephone kiosks, junction boxes and private dwelling and at play parks commercial premises, public toilets and the underpass at Countess Road.

Commenting on police action taken to stamp out the problem, Sergeant Mark Freeman said, "This is a clear example of the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

"The community beat manager, PC Lucy Smith identified the problem and has then been instrumental in driving the work of all officers at Amesbury Police Station towards a resolution.

"This sends out a clear message that this sort of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. "Further work is ongoing in partnership with other agencies to prevent this from happening in the future."