Caught in the act . . . this was the moment graffiti oaf Bouncing Doughnut showed his face to the world.

He is the vandal who has been daubing walls in Hove for months.

Known to police by his distinctive "bouncing doughnut" symbol and his signature TFW, he has at last been caught at work by covert cameras used to catch graffiti vandals on tape.

The man, in his 20s, is clearly seen on camera spraying a wall in Western Road, Hove, with a paint can.

He is filmed stepping back to check if the street is clear and then continuing with his vandalism.

What he did not realise was every time he turned away, he directly faced into the camera, clearly exposing his face.

Police now want the public to help them identify the culprit.

PC Chris Knox, of Hove police, said: "This individual has been operating in the area for at least six months. His tag can be seen all over central Hove and is signed TFW.

"That stands for The Fresh Worms which is a particular group he identifies with.

"We have already caught, and are currently prosecuting, two other graffiti sprayers by using covert cameras.

"We have not so far been able to identify this man and are appealing for help from the public to do so."

Police are setting up the spy cameras at graffiti hotspots in the city in line with a city-wide drive to stamp out the vandalism.

But they are not revealing exactly how many are being used in the initiative, or their whereabouts.

The cameras can be installed quickly where they are needed and moved just as easily to other areas targeted by graffiti vandals.

The initiative is part of Hove police's policy to improve quality of life for residents.

Divisional commander Superintendent Graham Cox said fear of crime was one of the biggest issues raised by the public.

He said by reducing graffiti, vandalism, drunkenness and begging people would feel safer.

The covert cameras are just part of the drive by Hove police to stamp out anti-social behaviour in the area.

Anyone who can help identify the graffiti vandal pictured should call PC Simon Morgan at Hove on 0845 6070999.

Information can also been given in confidence by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.