THE battle to beat the spray can louts covering Hereford's walls in graffiti has moved up a gear.

Since the launch of the blitz on unsightly 'artwork', the hotline set up for people to report graffiti has received dozens of calls, and the Herefordshire Community Safety Partnership is helping to draw up a detailed list of graffiti hotspots.

"The launch of the graffiti hotline was just the first shot in the battle to beat the vandals," said Councillor Phil Edwards.

Police patrols were being stepped up in areas where repeated attacks are common, with photographs taken prior to cleaning.

"This will help us to recognise 'tags' - the marks of individual artists," said Coun Edwards. "It will help if we need to bring prosecutions."

Jane Rose, of the Herefordshire Community Safety Partnership, said the launch of the graffiti hotline was having a positive effect on communities across the county.

"By clearing this unsightly graffiti, we're playing a key role in creating better environments which people are beginning to respect," she said.

"As a Partnership, we're looking at other ideas, including drawing up a package of preventative methods.

"We understand that much of the graffiti is born out of the frustration and boredom of youngsters. We're looking at ways of harnessing this and working with them in a constructive way."

Anyone spotting a graffiti attack can call the Graffiti Gang on 01432 261800 with details, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.