Police are searching for a graffiti artist who has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage in Banstead Village, painting the town blue with the tag signature Task.

Buildings and cars from the High Street and The Horseshoe to Larchwood Close on the other side of the A217 have been targeted.

The graffiti, which police believe is the work of one individual, was sprayed between 2am and 6am on May 11.

PC Peter Gunning-Stevenson, neighbourhood specialist officer for Banstead Village and Nork, said: "So far I have had 15 reports of criminal damage for the one evening but I want to hear from anyone who has been targeted.

"Residents need to report crime so that we can compile a file of evidence against this person."

The council's graffiti buster machine has been ordered and will be used to remove the tags.

PC Gunning-Stevenson added: "A tremendous amount of damage was done in the one evening.

"The library, the clinic, the youth centre and the ambulance station were all targeted in The Horseshoe.

"Cars and vans were damaged in Garratts Lane and across the A217 in The Drive, Tumblewood Road, Buckles Way and Larchwood Close.

"The Wessex Garage doors were also hit and cars in the car park on the corner of Woodgavil were damaged. There has been many hundreds of pounds of damage caused and we must stop this unnecessary vandalism."

Police have taken photographs of all the graffiti.

Anyone with information can call PC Gunning-Stevenson on 0845 125 2222.

May 29, 2003 11:00