POLICE in Rayners Lane fear the area could be hit by a graffiti epidemic after a recent spate of tagging.

Spray paint reading “METS” and “SMT” has started to appear on walls in the ward, leaving Harrow Council footing the bill to clean much of it up.

Sergeant Paul Culver, of Rayners Lane Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “What I'd like to do is knock it on the head before spring comes around.

“There will be a lot more tagging then if people are hanging around. I want to knock it on the head so we don't get an epidemic.”

Graffiti has been a problem in the area in the past causing thousands of pounds of damage to private property and in public places.

Councillor Susan Hall, responsible for environment services at Harrow Council, described graffiti vandals as “hooligans who are hell bent on damaging our environment”.

She said: “It is disgraceful. You and I as rate payers are paying out for the very bad behaviour of others, whether it is littering or graffiti.

“But for the sake of everybody we will do all we can to stop it.”

She told the Harrow Times the council has a database of tags and two vehicles deployed to remove graffiti once it appears.

She said the council is prepared to prosecute vandals.

Anyone with information can contact the safer neighbourhoods team on 0208 721 2988, or to report graffiti to the council's anti-social behaviour unit call 020 8424 1770.