TWO men were arrested early on Thursday morning as part of an investigation into graffiti in the Tankerton area.

Police officers with search warrants visited the Whitstable homes of the two males, aged 19 and 18, just before 7am.

They were taken to Canterbury police station to be interviewed after their homes were searched and various items, including computers, were seized.

The investigation has been to find those responsible for damaging buildings and other property with a “Road Kill” tag. There have over 20 reports of the tag and associated markings appearing in and around Tankerton, most recently on garages in Northwood Road.

Sgt Emma Moat said: “Residents tell us that graffiti is one of the main things that they want to see dealt with.

"It spoils the area that they are living in and gives visitors a negative impression.”

The annual cost of cleaning off graffiti in Canterbury district is £80,000.

Graham Simpson, community safety officer for Canterbury City Council said: “Canterbury City Council recognises that graffiti can blight neighbourhoods and can undermine pride in the local community.

"We are therefore delighted that partnership working with Kent Police has resulted in these arrests."

Is graffiti a problem in your neighbourhood?

Contact your local neighbourhood officer by visiting www.kent.police.uk and entering your postcode.

Alternatively call 01622 690690.