TWO bailed vandalism suspects accused of a series of graffiti attacks across Halesowen and Stourbridge, which have cost taxpayers £10,000, have been re-arrested by police.

The latest marker pen attacks saw street furniture daubed with slogans in Stourbridge's Worcester Street and walls of New Road subway, leading to Market Street, also covered in 'tags'.

Even a coach caught up in Worcester Street traffic was defaced as shocked passengers looked on.

Police officers caught the suspects red handed after a brief chase following calls from several people reporting the damage on Friday afternoon (October 4).

Creagan Piesley, from Hedgefield Grove, Colley Gate, was charged with criminal damage, breaching a CRASBO that runs until November 2 and also flouting court bail conditions that prohibit him from carrying spray cans or markers.

The 20-year-old appeared before Dudley magistrates yesterday (October 7) where he denied criminal damage and was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance on October 14 at the same court.

An 18-year-old man from Halesowen was bailed until tomorrow (October 9) on suspicion of carrying items for the purpose of vandalism and breaching his police bail conditions.

Inspector Dez Lambert said the worst of the spate of recent vandalism had been overnight on September 21 and 22 when around 40 homes, vehicles and street signs were damaged in Halesowen.

He said: "This is not creative, aesthetically-appealing artwork, this is criminal damage which is upsetting residents and leaving them with repair bills.

"It's the latest in a series of graffiti attacks that the council estimates has cost them £6,000 on top of all the damage to private property.

"We simply won't tolerate this. As our action on Friday illustrates, we are responding swiftly and in numbers to these types of reports and have made several arrests.

“These two men are accused of being behind much of this vandalism we will work with partners to try and change their behaviour but ultimately, if they don't change, they will end up in prison.

"Both men are subject to strict bail conditions, including overnight curfews and not to be in possession of spray paint or marker pens and if they breach these conditions they will be arrested and put before the courts."

Police are keen to hear from any witnesses who may have seen the graffiti attacks on Friday anyone with information is asked to contact Dudley Police Investigation Team or Sergeant Martin Hall on the 101 police number.