Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage totalling more than £32,000.

The early morning operation in Thanet on Thursday, named Operation Tag, followed continued work into graffiti across the area by the Thanet Community Safety Partnership, a joint team made up of officers and staff from Kent Police and Thanet District Council.

Officers targeted a Margate home just after 6.30am, where they arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of criminal damage, estimated at £10,230 totalling 111 offences, and theft.

At the same time, colleagues were in Birchington to arrest a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of criminal damage, estimated at £11,430 totalling 119 offences.

The remainder of the team were at a separate address in Birchington to arrest a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of criminal damage, estimated at £10,710, totalling 116 offences, and assault.

Ch Insp Rob Vinson said: "The operation has caused embarrassment and disruption to the families involved. However, we make no apologies for making calls at the crack of dawn in order to secure evidence."

This is the second Operation Tag so far this year.