A crackdown on graffiti vandals in South Ribble has been tagged' a success following a number of arrests, cautions and spray can confiscations.

Operation Aerosol, a joint campaign between the police and council has seen hit squads visiting sites across the borough where spray can vandals are known to operate.

Every day clean-up teams have been using high-powered graffiti removal machinery to clear away spray can scribblings.

Working closely with local police officers, the hit squads have been taking hundreds of photographs of graffiti and gathering evidence of the distinctive tags' used by vandals in graffiti hotspots.

Their efforts have led to the arrest of two 14-year-old boys in separate incidents.

The first was linked with five offences of criminal damage.

He was issued with a final warning and ordered to take part in a rehabilitation programme delivered by the youth offending team.

The second could become the subject of an anti-social behaviour order if he fails to curb his behaviour.

Two 18-year-old men have also been cautioned by police after being found in possession of 13 spray cans.

A local shopkeeper, who has not been named, was also forced to remove car spray paints which were being sold off cheap for 99p per can.

Councillor Tony Pimblett, cabinet member for streetscene services, said: "The success of Operation Aerosol demonstrates how seriously we take this sort of behaviour and how working with the police we will not rest until the people responsible have been tracked and targeted."

Inspector Andy Maughan from Leyland police added: "We unearthed a great deal of evidence and we will continue to keep an eye on those we have identified as being linked with graffiti in South Ribble."

To report an environmental offence like graffiti, fly posting or fly-tipping, call 01772 625625.