ANGRY traders are counting the cost of a graffiti spree which caused thousands of pounds of damage to Halesowen town centre shops.

A hooded youth was caught on CCTV scratching his ‘tag’ onto scores of plate glass windows.

The attacker struck on premises in Hagley Street and the glass doors of the Cornbow Centre in the early hours of Sunday January 18.

Chamber of trade chairman Wayne Edwards, whose shop Less4Ink was among those targeted, described the attack as “malicious”.

The ‘tag’ was etched into the centre of his shop window and other premises affected included the Co-op, Brighthouse and Boots.

Mr Edwards said: “The damage is really bad and it will cost many thousands of pounds to replace so many large, expensive windows.”

He said fears of repercussions and the cost of insurance excess and future increased premiums were likely to put hard-pressed traders off replacing the damaged windows.

Halesowen in Bloom chairman Eve O’Connor also condemned the attack and fears the damage could hit this year’s Britain in Bloom bid.

The vandal was wearing dark clothing, trainers and a hoody. The CCTV footage filmed him during his spree at 1.50am.

Mr Edwards said: “He was caught on camera and it is only a matter of time before he is caught.”

Dudley Police are investigating the attack and have appealed for witnesses.

A spokesman said: “An inquiry is under way by police to identify the suspect and anyone with information is urged to contact Dudley Police by dialling 101.”

In the meantime, Dudley Council has appointed a community payback team of convicted offenders to paint the graffiti-daubed Maybrook House car park It was reported to the Halesowen Chamber of Trade meeting last week that the team would also paint over graffiti daubed on some walls of the recently re-painted Pool Road car park.