A reward is being offered for the capture of Bouncing Doughnut, Brighton and Hove's most wanted graffiti lout.

The net is closing in on the vandal who has cost the city thousands of pounds by daubing his trademark tag over walls.

Traders are so fed up at the attacks on their property they have put up £500 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

Called Bouncing Doughnut because of his handiwork, he was caught in the act of spraying paint on a wall in Western Road, Hove, by a hidden police camera.

Police released a photo taken from the footage in the hope the public would recognise him.

Superintendent Graham Cox, of Hove police, said the vandal was suspected of at least 15 graffiti attacks.

The police, City Centre Business Forum, council and youth services have united to launch an anti-graffiti strategy designed to crack down on the increasing problem of tagging. The strategy will include more covert camera operations, multiple criminal and civil prosecutions, mass clean-ups and intelligence gathering.

Mr Cox said: "Graffiti causes fear and the cost is huge. We have discovered catching and prosecuting those responsible is by far the most effective deterrent. Graffiti offenders don't fit the normal criminal profile and are fearful of being caught and sentenced, with all the consequences that could have for their future employment.

"I totally disagree with the idea they are artists. The wanton damage caused by Bouncing Doughnut is more like the scribbles of a three-year-old."

People sometimes did not realise the effect tagging could have on the morale of an area, Mr Cox said.

He added: "Graffiti sends out the message the authorities have lost control in an area, it leads to other crime and means our council tax is being spent on cleaning it up rather than on schools and services."

The Argus has produced reward posters featuring Bouncing Doughnut which will go up in shops around the city.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.