A CLAMPDOWN on graffiti artists has been launched in Halesowen after vandals have sprayed over 150 tags in the town.

Police have launched an investigation after a rapid rise in vandalism over the summer.

Bus shelters, road signs, walls, fences and business properties have all been daubed in paint as sprayers use the cover of night to paint their "tags."

The most popular tags include Flave, CNS (city never sleeps), Fanta, Boris, Trakz, Sort, Rote and Hope.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We need help from local residents to catch these graffiti artists in Halesowen.

"Officers believe that offences are being committed overnight over the last two months."

Mucklow Hill, Stourbridge Road and Beeches Road are three other areas where thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused.

The spokesman added: "As part of the on-going investigation, officers have spoken to local people, taken evidential photographs and are in the process of checking CCTV footage.

"If you have any information about these tags or have seen anything suspicious in your area around these times related to these offences, please contact officers on 101."

Alternatively, anyone with any information report it to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Residents can also report further graffiti and other local problems on www.fixmystreet.com.