OFFENDERS sentenced to carry out work in the community have been removing graffiti from a number of properties in Lipson.

The Herald reported that unsightly graffiti was scrawled over walls and garage doors at least 40 times over the night of December 30, 2011.

And on Thursday and Friday a team from the Community Payback scheme were out attempting to remove the signatures.

PCSO Pablo Beckhurst, who works within the Operation Salus graffiti team, said: "We've been out with the community payback team removing some of the graffiti. They have a fantastic team leader who really does manage the people on community service well.

"We targeted the most prolific ones particularly on the junctions of people's houses.

"Removing graffiti as soon as it is done is considered best practice as it promotes a strong community message to taggers that the people in the area care.

"Taggers are unlikely to repeatedly tag an area if their work is taken down before others will see it."

Police said there had been a marked increase in graffiti tags (signatures) across the South and central area of Plymouth - much of which is unreported.

PCSO Beckhurst added: "By their very nature graffiti taggers are difficult to catch, often working alone in the early hours and without reason or apparent motive.

"Spraying or writing tags only takes three to four seconds and is virtually silent. They use pseudonyms to hide their identity and reveal these to only a close circle of friends."

"Devon and Cornwall Police are committed to tackling tagging and those responsible will be caught and charged. We will push for the strongest possible action."

The community payback scheme, which have limited materials, is dedicated to removing the tags.

The clean was aided by PCSO Carly Norris and PCSO Beckhurst. For more information on the community payback scheme visit www.communitypayback.com